Shock at death of Aidan (53)
HUNDREDS of mourners will pay their final respects today (Tuesday) to dad-of-three Aidan Cummins, whose death at the weekend shocked the entire local community.
Aidan, from Carrig-on-Bannow, died tragically from injuries received in an explosion at his work shed.
The 53-year-old was working in his shed on Saturday morning when an aerosol can exploded leading to his death.
Investigating garda John Buggy said it appears Mr Cummins was burning material in a homemade incinerator drum in his garage when the incident occurred.
It is believed that on opening the door the aerosol can blew from the drum, striking him and causing severe head injuries.
Aidan was treated at the scene but he died on the way to hospital.
The father-of-three ran a garage business in the parish and was well known throughout the area.
Mr Cummins’s family is actively involved with the local GAA club, Bannow-Ballymitty.
The Wexford under-14 ladies’ football team held a minute’s silence before their game against Westmeath on Saturday in memory of Mr Cummins.
A full Garda investigation is being carried out but Mr Cummins’s death is being treated as an accident. The Health & Safety Authority is also investigating.
Parish priest Fr James Kehoe said Aidan was a very popular figure in the area and a very obliging man.
‘He was a very helpful man, always willing to help others. It’s extremely sad that this has happened and our sympathies go to his wife and family. The whole area has been left devastated.
Fr Kehoe said sympathy goes out to his wife Joan, and his three children, Cathal, Ciara and Cian.
Local councillor Willie Fitzharris said the community was in great shock.
‘It’s very unfortunate for the family, while the whole area has been left shocked. They are a very well respected family while Aidan was looked upon as a top class mechanic and very well known. My thoughts are with the family at this difficult time.’
Aidan’s funeral Mass takes place today (Tuesday) at 12 noon in the Church of Mary Immaculate and St Joseph, Carrig-on-Bannow, with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
Mr Cummins is survived by his wife Joan, children Cathal, Ciara and Cian, siblings Richard, Liam, John, Martin, Chris, Bernie and Ray. brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.