A bodhrán player with an Irish dancing troupe has been electrocuted in an accident in Siberia.
Michael Kerrane (26), from Rathcairn, Co Meath, died while being photographed beside the Trans-Siberian express. He and the 35 other members of the Rhythm of the Dance troupe were travelling on the train to a concert in the city of Omsk when the train stopped and he got out.
It is understood that, while being photographed, he touched a live wire and died immediately. The accident happened last weekend.
A carpenter by trade, Mr Kerrane joined the National Dance Company of Ireland, which produces the Rhythm of the Dance show, as the chief bodhrán player last June. Rhythm of the Dance is currently on tour in Russia and Ukraine. National Dance Company of Ireland co-director Ken Cavanagh said: "We're deeply saddened. He was a very popular member of our troupe."
Mr Kerrane is survived by his parents, Michael and Bríd, and by his brothers and sisters. His funeral takes place tomorrow at 11am following Mass at St Patrick's Church in Rathcairn.