AN IRISH MAN has died in an explosion at an underground mine in Australia, police have confirmed.

Emergency services were called to a mine on Endeavour Mine Road in New South Wales (NSW) at around 3.45am local time after reports that two people were critically injured in a workplace incident.

One of the victims has been identified as Ambrose Patrick “Ambie” McMullen, a 59-year-old man from Cootehill, Co Cavan.

McMullen, a former Cavan footballer, had been living in Australia with his wife and four children.

Tributes have poured in from his former colleagues, local councillors, and the Cootehill community, describing him as a “treasured colleague” and a “true gentleman.”

Two women in their 20s were also brought to the surface following the explosion.

One has since died, while the second was airlifted to hospital with hearing damage and shock. Authorities have not released the names of the women.

The mine has suspended operations and requested a two-day trading halt.

NSW police said they will prepare a report for the coroner and assist the Resources Regulator with its investigation.

Fatal mine explosions are rare in Australia, with the last recorded in 2015 in Queensland.

Cobar Mayor Jarrod Marsden described the incident as “absolutely tragic,” while NSW Premier Chris Minns extended his condolences to the families and colleagues of those killed.

No funeral arrangements for the victims have been announced.

With reporting from Andrew Walsh