Banagher father and daughter had 'loving bond'

An air of sadness engulfed the community of Banagher following the tragic deaths of father and daughter, Mihai Chinez (49) and Denisa Mihaela Chinez (24), in a workplace accident at Banagher Precast Concrete on Monday morning.

That emotion was prevalent at St Rynagh's Church on Thursday where a large congregation gathered to pay their respects to both father and daughter at their Funeral Mass.

Fr Pat Kiernan, Parish Priest, was chief celebrant of the Funeral Mass. In offering his sympathies to Mihai's wife and Denisa's mother, Angela, daughter and sister, Lavinia Alexandra, Denisa’s fiancé, Liviu, work colleagues from Banagher Precast Concrete and the staff and students of Banagher College, Coláiste Na Sionna, said a "tsunami of grief" had stunned the community when news of the tragedy started to emerge on Monday afternoon.

Fr Kiernan said Mihai and Denisa shared a unique and loving bond at "home and in the workplace, united in life and love".

Fr Pat Kiernan, said the working week had started "as normal" for both Mihai and Denisa on Monday, which he said, was "a bright and sunny day". He said both were "in a good place in their lives".

"Their lives were beginning to fall into place. They had a secure job and loved their place of work. They were amongst a good workforce and they jigsaw puzzle of life was coming together. Best of all, they were working together," Fr Kiernan said.

At 10am on Monday Fr Kiernan said they met with Mihai's wife Angela and Denisa's partner Liviu, in the work canteen which he said would sadly be their "last supper" together.

Monday was Mihai and Angela's 26th wedding anniversary and also the 87th birthday of Mihai's mother, Angela.

Mihai, Fr Kiernan said, was planning to celebrate both occasions with "cake and candles" later that evening.

Sadly, there was to be no cake and candles, but "cries of anguish" and "books of condolences" as the tragedy unfolded.

Fr Kiernan reflected on the respective characteristics of both Mihai and Denisa.

He said Mihai was a "loving husband, caring father and loyal work colleague".

"He possessed a kind heart and was a very good man, who made a difference at home and at work" Fr Kiernan said.

Denisa, he described as being "trustworthy, dependable and lovable".

"She had a warm and generous heart and loved to smile and laugh. She was always cheerful and in good humour," Fr Kiernan added.

Fr Kiernan said her partner Liviu described Denisa as a "ray of sunshine" in his life.

Reflecting on the bond that Mihai and Denisa shared, Fr Kiernan said walking to work was a daily routine for both father and daughter.

"They shared love and affection on their daily routine and also shared the quiet pride of working hard together at Banagher Precast Concrete," he added.

"Mihai and Denisa lived and worked side by side. Today, their coffins are side by side. May they now be side by side at the altar of heaven," Fr Kiernan said.

Concluding his homily, Fr Kiernan said both Mihail and Denisa had "complete their voyage on earth way too soon", reaching the "harbour ahead of schedule".

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) continues to investigate the fatal accident at Banagher Precast Concrete which happened on Monday morning. Both father and daughter, who were originally from Romania, were pronounced dead at the scene of the incident.

Staff at the plant are said to be in deep shock as they come to terms with the tragic death of their colleagues.

A statement issued by the company in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy extended the "heartfelt sympathies" of the Board of Directors, management team and employees of Banagher Precast Concrete to the "families, friends and colleagues of those who have lost their lives".

Banagher Concrete Precast said its "immediate priority" was supporting the families of our colleagues and ensuring they "receive every assistance and support available during this unimaginably difficult time".

The company also expressed its sincere gratitude to the emergency services and all those who responded to the incident for their "professionalism, compassion and assistance".

Mihai and Denisa will be sadly missed and deeply regretted by Mihai’s wife and Denisa’s mother, Angela, Mihai's daughter and Denisa’s sister, Lavinia Alexandra, Denisa’s fiancé, Liviu Blaj, their extended family, neighbours, many friends and work colleagues.

Following the Funeral Mass, Denisa was laid to rest in St. Rynagh’s Cemetery. Mihai’s cremation will take place at a later date.

May they both rest in peace.