The body of a worker killed in a mining accident in Co Tipperary on Thursday has been recovered.

Mario Francis a married father of two from the Philippines, died after becoming trapped in a mine shaft following a rockfall at Lisheen mine near Thurles.

Emergency services managed to retrieve his body from the mine late last night.

Mr Francis and his family came to Ireland from the Philippines a number of years ago and had been living in Urlingford, Kilkenny. He had worked at the mine for over 12 years.

While the cause of the collapse is not yet known, it is expected that three separate investigations into the incident will be launched in the coming days.

SIPTU members at the Lisheen Mine have expressed their sympathy to the family of Mario Francis.

SIPTU Organiser, John Regan, said his death has left his work colleagues in shock. He has also underlined the dangerous nature of underground work. 

A prayer service was lead by the Parish priest of Moyne at Lisheen Mine earlier this week and many of Mr Francis's 400 co-workers were in attendence to pay tribute to their colleague.