Magherafelt community pays tribute to worker killed in tragic accident

The Magherafelt community has paid tribute to construction worker Tomasz Pogoda, who was tragically killed in a road roller incident.
Honorary Polish Consul, Jerome Mullen is providing consular assistance to the family in MagherafeltHonorary Polish Consul, Jerome Mullen is providing consular assistance to the family in Magherafelt
Honorary Polish Consul, Jerome Mullen is providing consular assistance to the family in Magherafelt

Several hundred, including friends and work colleagues of the 37-year-old father-of-two, attended a special Mass in the Church of the Assumption on Monday evening to pay their respects.

A Polish national, Mr Pogoda, who had been living in Magherafelt for three years, died while carrying out resurfacing work on the Bog Road near Forkhill in south Armagh last Wednesday. He was employed by Knockloughrim-based FP McCann.

All three emergency services attended the scene, along with officials from the Health and Safety Executive, who are investigating the tragedy.

Honorary Polish Consul, Jerome Mullen, told the Mail yesterday that the tragedy is a “devastating blow” to his young wife and two small children, five-year-old Olivia and 18-month-old Hubert.

“I have conveyed my condolence to the family and provided Consular assistance over the past week for the speedy return of the body back to his home in Poland over the next few days,” said Mr Mullen.

“He was a valued employee of FP McCann having joined the company his father in law has worked for 12 years.

“Joan McCann has spoken very highly of Tomasz to me and described him as an excellent worker.

“I would like to thank FP McCann and all those work colleagues and friends who have rallied round Tomasz’s wife and family at this very sad time. May he rest in peace.”

Mr Pogoda’s remains are expected to be taken to Poland at a later date.