Grain factory deaths leave village in mourning
A rural village was plunged into sadness today following deaths of two men at a grain factory.
Teenager Terry Brennan and father-of-three Paul Farrell were killed when toxic fumes filled an underground chamber next to a grain silo in Co Louth.
A third man, David Reilly, was recovering in hospital.
Gardai and the Health and Safety Authority have launched separate investigations into the incident at the Knockbridge site of Drummond’s Ltd on Monday morning.
Managing director Dermot Rowan extended his sympathy to the families of the dead men.
“Everybody is devastated,” said Mr Rowan. “It’s a very close-knit community.
“It’s a huge disaster for the families, for the community and the company.”
Mr Brennan, a 19-year-old student from Knockcor, was hired at the factory for the summer harvest.
He and Mr Farrell, 35, who worked for the firm for 15 years, were both overcome by fumes in an elevator pit, collapsed and lost consciousness inside.
Site manager Mr Reilly, a father-of-four, went to check on the men when they did not return but managed to escape to raise the alarm.
Locals watched on helplessly as firefighters recovered the men.
Knockbridge Parish Priest, Father Gerard McGinnity, said there was a sombre mood in the small village.
“People are very very shocked and numb,” said Fr McGinnity, of St Mary’s Church.
“They were two active, healthy young men who worked hard.
“They were both involved in the community in different ways and played a full part in parish life.”
All three workmen have had strong links with local GAA club, St Brides, over the years.
Mr Brennan was a promising footballer on the junior team, while Mr Farrell played with the club as a youngster.
Enda Marry, of St Brides, said the club will have a guard of honour at the men’s funerals.
Officials were continuing to examine the site at Drummonds Ltd, which is the largest purchaser of grain in the Dublin, Louth and Meath region.
“We are not privy as to how the investigation is going, but they are testing the area where the accident occurred,” added Mr Rowan.
