A devastating underground explosion at the Endeavor mine in Cobar, located approximately 700 kilometers northwest of Sydney, has resulted in the tragic deaths of two individuals, including a 59-year-old man from the Republic of Ireland. The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, prompting emergency services to rush to the scene. The Irish national, identified as Ambrose Patrick McMullen from Cootehill in County Cavan, was among the victims. Mr. McMullen, a married father, had relocated to Australia in the mid-1980s, where he built a new life. Two women in their 20s were rescued from the mine, but one succumbed to her injuries later. Carmel Brady, a Fine Gael councillor from Cavan, fondly remembered Mr. McMullen as a kind and athletic individual during their school years. Mine-related fatalities are uncommon in Australia, with the last recorded death occurring in 2015 in Queensland. Cobar Mayor Jarrod Marsden described the incident as ‘absolutely tragic.’ Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation, and a report will be prepared for the coroner.