Irish musician electrocuted in Russia

A 26-YEAR-OLD Irish musician died after being electrocuted in a freak accident in Russia, the Department of Foreign Affairs said today.

Martin Kerrane, from the Ráth Cairn area of Co Meath, was killed near the Siberian city of Omsk on Saturday when he stepped from a train carriage to take a photo and touched an electric wire on the track.

The bodhrán player was a week into a three-month tour of Russia, France and the Netherlands with Irish dance show Rhythm of the Dance.

Pádraig Mac Donncha, his uncle, said Mr Kerrane’s body arrived back in Ireland this morning.

“He was travelling with 35 other members of Rhythm of the Dance when they stopped at a station and he got out,” he said.

“He leaned against the carriage to take a photo and it moved and he fell against a wire.

“The emergency services and doctors all attended to him but he was pronounced dead at the scene. He arrived back in Ireland this morning, and has just arrived in Ráth Cairn,” he said.

A single man and carpenter by trade, Mr Kerrane had taken time off work to travel with the show.

A passionate musician, he had performed with them in productions across Ireland and was on his first foreign tour.

The group were travelling to a performance in Omsk.

Ken Cavanagh, Rhythm of the Dance director, said Mr Kerrane was a talented and popular member of the show.

“Martin was a very popular member of the group. He was a pleasure to work with and easy to get on with.

“He was very talented and very pleased to be a part of the show. Everyone, from the office staff down to the performers, are very shocked by what has happened,” he said.

Mr Cavanagh said Mr Kerrane’s family have asked that the tour continues.

Mr Kerrane’s funeral will take place tomorrow at St Patrick’s, Ráth Cairn.