A Co Cavan man has died in a mining explosion in Australia.
The incident happened at the Endeavor mine in Cobar, New South Wales in the early hours of this morning.
Ambrose Patrick McMullen, aged 59, from Cootehill in Cavan was one of two people who were killed in the explosion at the underground mine in the state's far west.
Tributes have been paid in Cootehill, where Mr McMullen was known as "Ambie".
It is understood he had been living in Australia with his wife and family for some years.
New South Wales Police said that emergency services were called at about 3.45am this morning local time after being told two people were critically injured in a workplace accident.
Officers attached to the Central North Police District attended the scene and were informed a man was confirmed dead.
Two women were brought to the surface.
One of the women has since died and the second woman was airlifted to hospital where police said she is being treated for hearing damage and shock.
NSW police said they will prepare a report for the coroner and assist a workplace health and safety body in its investigation.
Cavan County Councillor Carmel Brady said she was devastated for the McMullen family.
She said Mr McMullen came from a very well known family in the town.
A former classmate of Mr McMullen's at St Aidan's Comprehensive School, she said he was an excellent student who excelled at sport and was always very friendly.
