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29th October 2025
01:30pm GMT
An Irishman has been killed following a mining explosion in Australia.
Ambrose Patrick McMullen, from Cootehill, County Cavan, died in the explosion.
The incident occurred in the early hours of yesterday morning in Cobar, New South Wales.
Two women in their twenties were rushed to the surface of the mine, reports Irish Independent.
One of the women later died while the second was airlifted to hospital.
The deceased woman has been identified as 24-year-old, Holly Clarke.
Police confirmed that emergency services were called to the scene at 3.45am after reports of a workplace accident leaving two people in critical condition.
Officers said that a man in his 60s, later identified as Mr McMullen, had been confirmed dead.
Mr McMullen, who played football for Cootehill, left Ireland in the 80s to travel before settling in Australia.
He is survived by his sisters Mary and Dympna, and his brother Kevin.
Paying tribute, Cootehill Chamber described McMullen as 'well-known and fondly remembered'.
They said: "We extend our deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and loved ones of Ambrose ‘Ambie’ McMullen, Cootehill, who tragically lost his life in a mining explosion in Australia.
"Ambie was well known and fondly remembered in our community, and his untimely passing has deeply saddened all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this heartbreaking time."
