LAST UPDATE | 6 hrs ago

A WOMAN IN her 40s died in a workplace incident on Friday in Kilmeedy, Co Limerick. 

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

A garda spokesperson said that gardaí attended the scene of the incident. 

“A woman aged in her 40s was pronounced deceased at the scene,” they added. 

The spokesperson said that the matter has been referred to the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) for further investigation.

A HSA spokesperson said: “The Health and Safety Authority is aware of the incident and has launched an investigation.”

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,” he said.

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

A post on Monagea LGFC’s Facebook page stated: “Due to a tragic accident resulting in the sudden death of a club member today, Monagea LGFC have taken the decision to suspend all club activity this weekend as a mark of respect, may she rest in peace.

Newcastle West Town FC said on its Facebook page that “due to a tragic accident resulting in the sudden death of a female coach” in the area, that it had “postponed” a number of local soccer fixtures “as a mark of respect”.

“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.”

With additional reporting from David Raleigh.