Limerick mother-of-three dies after trench collapses during septic tank work

Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Lynch, 44, died after a trench collapsed at a site in Kilmeedy, with gardaí referring the investigation to the HSA

Gardaí have referred the investigation to the Health and Safety Authority. File picture

Gardaí have referred an investigation into the death of a mother-of-three in Co Limerick to the Health and Safety Authority (HSA).

The woman, who has been named locally as Elizabeth “Liz” Lynch, 44, from the Newcastle West area, died after a trench being dug in preparation for a septic tank collapsed on top of her.

The fatal incident occurred at a site in Kilmeedy, a short distance from Newcastle West town.

Despite the efforts of others at the scene, Ms Lynch was pronounced dead at the scene.

A garda spokesman said gardaí attended the scene of “a fatal workplace incident at a premises in Kilmeedy, Co Limerick” on Friday.

“A woman aged in her 40s was pronounced deceased at the scene. This matter has been referred to the HSA for further investigation,” said the spokesman.

When asked for comment, a HSA spokesman said: “The Health and Safety Authority is aware of the incident and has launched an investigation.”

Family suffered another sudden bereavement 

Ms Lynch’s family suffered another sudden bereavement last year when her brother, Timothy Lynch Jnr, from Kilmurry, Feenagh, died on November 22, 2025.

Mr Lynch was working as a builder on his own future home when he died.

His partner, Catriona Brennan from Kilmeedy, said local first responders were the first on the scene and did all they could to save him.

“He is deeply missed every day by myself and all of his family and friends. It's been extremely hard, because Tim passed away so suddenly,” Ms Brennan said at the time.

‘Immense mourning’

Local Fine Gael councillor and publican Adam Teskey said: “It is an awful shock to people here in the locality, the area is in immense mourning.”

“It’s taking a devastating toll on the community and our sympathies are with the family at this time,” added Mr Teskey.

Ms Lynch was involved in coaching young girls in sport and was a member of Monagea Ladies Gaelic Football Club.

The club has suspended all activity this weekend as a mark of respect, as has Newcastle West Town FC.

The Limerick Desmond Soccer League added its condolences online and said: “On behalf of the league we would like to pass on our condolences to Liz’s family & friends at this very sad time, may she RIP.”