THE FAMILY OF a father of two who died after a wall he was building collapsed on top of him have expressed their gratitude to the emergency services for their extensive efforts at the scene.

Diarmuid Manning (50) was pronounced dead on Thursday afternoon at Kilmore near Bandon, Co Cork.

A second man who was building the wall alongside Mr Manning was seriously injured in the incident. He was taken from the farm to Cork University Hospital for treatment.

In a family notice on Rip.ie the loved ones of Mr Manning thanked “the ambulance crew, An Garda Siochana, the Fire Brigade, West Cork Rapid Response, Dr Jason van der Velde and everybody who helped in any way.”

Mr Manning of Kilmore House, Kilmore, was described as a “wonderful husband and cherished friend” to his wife Mary, and a much loved father to their children Ella and Michael.

He is also survived by his parents Carmel and Michael, his siblings Olivia, Michelle, Michael and Sinead, his in laws, extended family, work colleagues, neighbours and a large circle of friends.

The family of the farmer added that Diarmuid was the “light” in their lives “and his memory will remain with us always.”

Meanwhile, Mr Manning was a well known and popular figure in the local community.

In December of 2021 he graduated with a diploma in environmental science and social policy. He was one of fifteen farmers to graduate from UCC that day under the Carbery Group initiative.

Mr Manning will lie in repose at Gabriel and O’Donovan’s Funeral Home in Bandon tomorrow from 2pm with prayers following at 5pm.

His requiem mass will take place on Monday at noon in St Mary’s Church in Innishannon after which he will be laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery.

Mourners are asked to donate to West Cork Rapid Response in lieu of flowers.

The Health and Safety Authority has launched an investigation into the incident.