'Ambie gave everything to the blue jersey' - Cavan GAA community in mourning as probe continues into death of 'dedicated' former county footballer in mining explosion

"Ambie first played for Cavan minors in 1983 and he captained the team in 1984. He also played with Cavan under 21s in 1984 and 1985 and he was called into the senior panel in 1984. He was a regular with Cavan throughout the later 1980s playing in the full-back line usually at left full-back. He was a dedicated, highly skilful player who was a great reader of the game with keen positional awareness. He gave everything to the blue jersey and is remembered for his sportsmanship."

"Ambie is fondly remembered and deeply mourned by his many friends in his native Cootehill, in Cavan and Australia. His passing evoked many memories among old playing teammates and supporters of his contribution to his native Cootehill Celtic and the Cavan county teams."

"Ambie was widely respected for his leadership, sporting ability, and gentlemanly nature,"

Ambose 'Ambie' McMullen, 59, died following an explosion at the Endeavor mine in Cobar, about 700 km northwest of Sydney, in the early hours of Tuesday. A Cootehill native and father of four, he represented Cavan at minor, under-21 and senior levels, captaining the minors in 1984 and playing regularly in the full-back line through the later 1980s. He captained WIT Freshers in 1986 and the WIT Senior team in 1987. Tributes have poured in from Cootehill, Cavan and Australia, with the local GAA community expressing deep shock and numbed sadness.

Read at Irish Independent