Farm worker dies after trailer wheel bursts

A 38-year-old man died in the country’s 20th farm accident this year when a wheel he was fitting exploded. It was the third tragedy to befall his family.

Agricultural contractor TJ McDonagh, who was single, died on Wednesday evening after a wheel he had been fitting to a trailer failed and exploded.

The incident happened at around 7.30pm at his home at Moher, near Liscannor, in Co Clare. It is believed Mr McDonagh was struck on the head by a piece of metal.

The victim’s father, Tommy, heard a loud noise and went to investigate. He found his son gravely injured on the ground and raised the alarm.

An ambulance from Ennistymon and a rapid response advanced paramedic unit from Ennis attended the scene along with gardaí and a local doctor.

On arrival, the doctor and paramedics assessed Mr McDonagh and quickly sought urgent assistance from the HSE’s Emergency Aeromedical Service.

The Shannon-based Irish Coast Guard helicopter was requested to respond to the incident in an air ambulance role while members of the Doolin unit of the Coast Guard prepared a landing zone in a playing field adjacent to the local national school.

Mr McDonagh was airlifted to Galway University Hospital but is understood to have passed away en route. He was pronounced dead soon after arriving at hospital.

An autopsy was due to be carried out yesterday evening, while Mr McDonagh’s body was expected to return home ahead of his funeral tomorrow.

The Health and Safety Authority has confirmed that they have been informed of the tragedy and are investigating the incident as a farm accident.

It is expected that the probe will focus on the wheel and the possibility its rim was faulty or otherwise compromised.

Mr McDonagh’s brother Declan died in a motorcycle accident in Lisdoonvarna Co Clare in 2002, while it is understood that an uncle also died in a motorcycle tragedy in the 60s.

Mr Donagh’s mother Mary spent several months in hospital last year after she was injured in a fall at her home.

The victim is survived by his mother Mary, father Tommy, brother Brian and three sisters, Fiona, Stella, and Marian.

Local Fine Gael councillor Bill Slattery said: “TJ was very well known as a hard worker all over north Clare. He worked for builders, contractors and the local authority for many years.

“This is an awful blow to the local area and wider community because TJ would have been very well known.”

Mr McDonagh will repose at St Brigid’s Church Liscannor this evening from 5pm until 8pm.

He will be laid to rest in Holy Rosary Cemetery Doolin after 11am mass tomorrow.