An experienced quarry worker died at McKeon's Threecastles blue limestone quarry in Stradbally, Co Laois in Ireland, on the first Monday back after the Christmas and New Year holidays (Monday 5 January).

According to witnesses, he was working at the edge of the quarry alongside others when a section of stone weighing about 10tonnes became detached and fell from under him to the quarry floor. He was killed in the fall of 10-12m.

The man was Tony Bergin (48) of Clashacrow, Freshford. He worked for McKeon Ltd for the past 17 years, operating the Fantini chain saws and block trimming wire saws used in the quarry. He leaves a widow, Irene, and their three young children. He was buried on Thursday 8 January.

Niall Kavanagh, McKeon's Managing Director, told NSS that the company had been working the quarry since 1960 with a solid safety record, never experiencing anything like this previously. Tony's colleagues and friends at McKeon Stone are devastated by this tragedy. 

The accident happened at about 12.25pm. An ambulance was called from Kilkenny Hospital and was on the scene within minutes, but despite the best efforts of the paramedics and his work colleagues, Tony died at the scene from injuries sustained in the fall.

The Police and Health & Safety Authority were called to the scene and spent two days investigating. They will prepare a full report.

McKeon Stone Ltd was established in 1950 and extracts and processes limestone products for the construction and monumental markets of Ireland, Belgium, Holland and the UK. It has a workforce of 41 people.

The directors and employees of Mc Keon Stone extended their heartfelt condolences to Tony Bergin's wife, children and extended family.