AN Irishman has sadly died in a workplace accident in Australia after being critically injured in an incident involving an excavator.
Barry Breslin, 35, was killed after being struck by an excavator and sustaining serious head injuries while working in Perth yesterday.
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The father-of-one, who hailed from Kilcar village in Co Donegal but had been living down under for a number of years, was rushed to hospital but sadly passed away a short time later, according to local news outlets.
A notice online confirmed that Barry’s tragic death occurred following an “accident” in Perth.
He was remembered as the “beloved father” to his son Tommy and will be sadly by his “loving fiancée Melissa, his parents Mary and Seamus and his brother Owen and Shane.
Barry’s local GAA club in Kilcare said it was a “great shock” to hear the news of his sad passing.
A tribute read: “CLG Chill Chartha would like to express our sincerest condolences to Barry’s Fiancée Melissa, his son Tommy, his parents Seamus and Mary, to his brothers Owen and Shane and to all his family and his many, many friends.
“It was a great shock to us all when the news reached us this morning of the untimely passing of Barry in Australia.
“Barry played underage for the club for many years and is fondly remembered by the players and all who were involved at the time and to his mother Mary, a tireless volunteer and supporter of our club over the years, our hearts go out to you and your family and we pass on our prayers to you all at this sad time, ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
Other mourners have paid tribute to the young man, with one remembering him as an “amazing fiancé and Dad” who “loved his work driving machines”.
Another person wrote: “Taken too soon. I remember Barry as a young lad so full of life and a spirit of adventure.
“My thoughts are with you all as you deal with your loss, but also, I hope, celebrate his life and the joy he brought you all. Much love to you all.”
A third said: “So very sorry to hear of this heartbreaking passing of such a fine young man. May god grant you peace and strength to all your family at this very difficult time.
“And may he forever watch over your fiancée & beautiful son. RIP young man. Oíche mháith.”
Barry’s family have asked people to note that the house will remain private until further notice. Funeral details will be confirmed at a later stage.
‘WONDERFUL’ GRANDAD DIES IN CRASH
Separately, heartbreaking tributes have poured in for a pensioner who died in a car crash this week as his funeral details were confirmed.
John Dollard, 70 and from Kilmacow in Co Kilkenny, was the driver of the vehicle which crashed on the R448 near Smithstown in Mullinavat in Kilkenny at around 9.30am on Monday, September 30.
Mr Dollard, from Dangan in Kilmacow, is a widower and was predeceased by his wife Margaret. He is survived by his children, Kevin, John, Frank and Mary.
Locals said he was a gentleman and worked for many years as an excise officer in customs and excise.
In a heartfelt tribute his cousin Fr Patrick Walsh, who is based in St Vincent’s Parish in Sheffield, said: “To John’s immediate and extended family. Very sorry to hear of the sudden death of John, my first cousin.
“Last met him in February 2023 and he was in good spirits. I will say a special Mass for him here in Sheffield for the happy repose of his soul and indeed for all those he leaves behind. May they be comforted in their sorrow by the Lord.”
Friends also paid tribute, with one saying: “He was a lovely man, a wonderful grandad who brought love, fun and laughter and has left fond memories for his grandchildren to remember him by as they journey through life”.
