Victim of mayo quarry tragedy is named

A HEALTH and Safety investigation has got underway into the death of a young man from Co. Mayo in a quarry accident yesterday (Thursday).

The victim has been named locally as Joseph (Joe) Harrington (27) from the townland of Sonnagh, Charlestown.

Mr. Harrington, who has a partner and a young son, was operating a stone crusher in a quarry at Aghamore, Ballyhaunis, around 10 a.m. yesterday when he sustained fatal injuries.

Ambulance personnel and a local doctor were quickly on the scene when the alarm was raised.

It is understood the victim was killed instantly. His remains were brought later to Mayo General Hospital in Castlebar for a post mortem examination.

The quarry where Mr. Harrington was working is one of a number operated by local firm Harrington Concrete & Quarries.

The company’s founder and owner, Frank Harrington (no relation to the victim) was the main contractor for Ireland West Airport Knock (IWAK) and has been involved in a number of major bypass contracts throughout the Republic of Ireland since the 1990s.

News of the tragedy has  cast a shadow of gloom over a wide area.

Apart from his partner and son, Mr. Harrington is also survived by his mother, Audrey as well as two sisters and a brother.