A father in his 50s and his daughter in her 20s have died following a workplace incident at Banagher Precast Concrete in Co Offaly. The incident occurred shortly before midday on Monday, September 28, and has left the local community in mourning.
The pair, understood to be from Romania, had been employed at the Banagher plant for several years. Emergency services arrived at the scene at around 11.40am, where both were pronounced dead. Their bodies were taken to Midlands Regional Hospital Tullamore, where post-mortem examinations are due to take place.
Company response
Banagher Precast Concrete described the incident as "a devastating tragedy for everyone connected with our company" and said employees were "all in deep shock". In a statement, the company extended its "deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences" to the families, friends and colleagues of those who died.
The company said its immediate priority was supporting the families of the two employees and expressed gratitude to the emergency services. It added that it would cooperate fully with all statutory bodies and provide assistance as part of the investigation. The company described the incident as "unprecedented" and said it would not provide further details at this time, asking for privacy for those affected.
Political reaction
Fianna Fáil Offaly TD Tony McCormack offered his condolences, saying he was "deeply saddened" to hear the news. He said his thoughts were with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, and with the wider Banagher community.
According to the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), a total of 19 work-related fatalities have been recorded so far this year, compared with 63 during 2025. The figures are provisional and may be subject to change.
Other recent fatalities
Earlier in September, a farmer died after an accident on a farm in east Galway. Paul Kelly, in his 50s, from Clostoken near Loughrea, died in an incident during which slurry was being spread on land on September 16. The HSA launched a formal inquiry into the circumstances.
Elizabeth Lynch (44) died on September 18 after a trench being excavated for a septic tank collapsed at a site in Kilmeedy, West Limerick. Gardaí referred investigations into her death to the HSA.
In March, Patrick Gleeson, in his 40s and living in Youghal, Co Cork, was killed while installing machinery at a meat processing plant in Roscrea, Co Tipperary. The HSA and Gardaí launched separate investigations into that fatality.
