FATHER, 49, AND DAUGHTER, 24, REMEMBERED AS “DEEPLY MISSED” AFTER TRAGIC WORKPLACE INCIDENT

A father and daughter who lost their lives in the same workplace incident have been remembered by their grieving family, friends and colleagues as preparations are made for their joint funeral.

Mihai Chinez, 49, and his daughter Denisa Mihaela Chinez, 24, both from Banagher, County Offaly, Ireland, died following a tragic incident at Banagher Precast Concrete.

The pair, originally from Romania, had lived in the Offaly community for many years and worked at the same plant.

Their sudden loss has left relatives and colleagues struggling to come to terms with an unimaginable family tragedy.

A FATHER AND DAUGHTER TAKEN TOGETHER

The incident happened shortly before midday on Monday, September 28, 2026, at the Banagher plant.

According to reports, Mihai and Denisa were understood to have been preparing a concrete mould when the incident occurred.

Emergency services and Gardaí were called to the site at around 11.40am.

Despite the response of emergency crews, both were pronounced dead at the scene.

Their deaths have since prompted an outpouring of grief throughout Banagher and among the people who worked alongside them.

“DEEPLY MISSED”

A funeral notice has offered a glimpse into just how many people are mourning Mihai and Denisa.

The family said they would be “sadly missed and deeply regretted” by those closest to them.

Among those named were Mihai’s wife and Denisa’s mother, Angela, Mihai’s daughter and Denisa’s sister Lavinia Alexandra, Denisa’s fiancé Liviu Blaj, as well as their wider family, neighbours, friends and work colleagues.

For the family, the tragedy means losing not only a beloved father and husband, but also a daughter and sister at the same time.

A COMMUNITY IN SHOCK

Banagher Precast Concrete described the incident as an “unprecedented” and “devastating tragedy” for the company.

In a statement reported by RTÉ, the company’s board, management and employees expressed their deepest sympathies to the families, friends and colleagues of Mihai and Denisa.

The company said its immediate priority was supporting those affected by the tragedy.

Employees were also described as being in deep shock following the incident.

The company thanked the emergency services and others who responded at the scene.

THEIR FINAL FAREWELL

The family will now come together to say goodbye to Mihai and Denisa.

A funeral gathering was scheduled at Banagher Community Centre, followed by a joint funeral Mass at St Rynagh’s Church in Banagher.

The two will be laid to rest following the service, allowing relatives, friends, neighbours and colleagues to gather and remember their lives together.

QUESTIONS REMAIN

The circumstances surrounding the workplace incident have not yet been fully established.

Following the tragedy, the relevant authorities began examining what happened at the plant.

Banagher Precast Concrete said it would cooperate fully with all statutory bodies and provide whatever assistance was required as part of the investigation.

The company also stressed that the safety of its employees has always been a core value.

At this stage, there is no confirmed public explanation for exactly how the incident unfolded.

REMEMBERING MIHAI AND DENISA

Behind the headlines are two people whose absence will now be felt every day.

Mihai was a husband, father and colleague.

Denisa was a daughter, sister, fiancée and colleague who had built her life in the same community as her family.

Their lives were closely connected — even their work brought them together — making the circumstances of their deaths particularly painful for those who knew them.

As their family prepares to say goodbye, friends and colleagues are left remembering the years they shared with them.

The joint funeral will be an opportunity not only to mourn their sudden loss, but also to celebrate the lives of a father and daughter who meant so much to the people around them.

Mihai and Denisa will be deeply missed.