Tributes flood in for 'gentleman' killed in workplace accident

Tributes have been paid to Martin McCallion from Buncrana, who died in a tragic workplace accident last week.

It is understood that Mr McCallion, in his early 60s, passed away after sustaining fatal injuries at a haulage transportation company in Umricam on Thursday evening.  

Emergency services were called to the scene, and the employee was transferred to Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH) by ambulance. However, the beloved husband, father, and grandfather died from his injuries on Saturday morning. 

South Inishowen Councillors Jack Murray and Fionán Bradley have expressed their sadness at the tragic death of Mr McCallion. 

Sinn Féin councillor Jack Murray said the “whole town was just shocked and very saddened by the tragedy of a man who's so well-gotten and so well-known in the town.”

“Everybody's thoughts are with the McCallion family, and we'll rally to support them and give them the support they need  over the coming days and weeks and further on.”

Mr Murray, who didn’t know Martin personally, said it was evident throughout the town that he was a “gentleman. “He was a popular man, and from people on social media, you could see he had a high standing in the community.”

Councillor Fionán Bradley expressed his condolences to Martin’s family on his untimely passing, which he described as another dark day for Inishowen. 

“Unfortunately, it's a case of Inishowen being struck by another terrible family tragedy. Our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and all those who knew him at this time.”

Similarly to Councillor Murray, Mr Bradley said he didn’t know Martin personally, but he came from a “well-respected family They're widely known and lovely people. Even within the sporting circles, he was  popular on the golf course amongst other golfers.”

The Fianna Fáil councillor said Inishowen has had its fair share of tragedies. “I just don't know what it is about this part of the world and all the wee tragedies that we have had.”

“If you think about it, this year, between the drownings and the mother and daughter killed in the road tragedy in Carndonagh, and even last year, you had Anthony Devlin, who died in fairly similar circumstances to Martin. I don't know, the list goes on and on.”

A spokesperson for the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) confirmed that a death occurred at a business premises in Buncrana, and investigations are ongoing. 

“The HSA is aware of the fatal incident and has launched an investigation. As such, no further information is available at this time.” 

A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána confirmed that they attended the incident, and a “file will be prepared for the Coroner’s Court.”

Funeral arrangements of the respected family man are to be announced in due course.