Michael Siney was born on June 17, 1860, in the quaint town of Monasterevin, County Kildare, Ireland, to Patrick Siney and Elizabeth Heffernan. As the youngest of ten siblings, he grew up in a bustling household filled with love and camaraderie. In 1885, at the age of 24, Michael embarked on a life-changing journey with his sister Mary aboard The Hesperus, departing Portsmouth on August 12 and arriving in Adelaide after October 25. There, they reunited with their siblings, Hugh and Elizabeth, eager to forge a new path in Australia.
Drawn by tales of fortune, Michael ventured into the rugged world of mining, traversing Queensland, Victoria, and South Australia before the allure of Western Australia’s goldfields beckoned in 1893. He worked tirelessly in Wiluna, Sir Samuel, Paddington, Broad Arrow, and Ora Banda, never marrying but dedicating himself to the pursuit of opportunity in the harsh outback.
Tragedy struck in 1904 in Broad Arrow when a devastating fire engulfed Michael’s home, destroying all his possessions and leaving him gravely injured. The mining community rallied around him in an extraordinary act of solidarity, with several men donating skin grafts to aid his recovery. After over a year in the hospital, Michael defied the odds, making a remarkable recovery, though his misfortunes were far from over. He faced multiple serious injuries in mining accidents, each time displaying resilience that defined his character.
Kalgoorlie Cemetery – Michael Siney – Photo Find a Grave
In Loving Memory
Of Our Dear Brother
Michael Siney
Accidentally Killed At Boulder
30th July 1912, age 46
Sacred Heart of Jesus, Have Mercy on him.
Erected by his
Loving Brothers & Sisters
In gratitude for his perseverance and the community’s support, a benefit sports meeting was held in Broad Arrow on September 13, 1905, as reported by the Kalgoorlie Western Argus. The event, featuring cycling, foot races, and a festive smoke social, was a testament to Michael’s status as a cherished figure in the district. The community’s efforts ensured he could rebuild his life, and he eventually settled with his nephew, W. P. Cleary, at 272 Dugan Street, Kalgoorlie. His sisters, Mrs. J. Cleary of Midland Junction and Mrs. T. Duffy of Northcote, Victoria, remained part of his extended family network.
Undeterred, Michael returned to mining, joining the Golden Horseshoe Mine in Kalgoorlie Boulder. As a member of the Federated Miners Union, he found support during his hardships, but his streak of misfortune persisted. On July 30, 1912, tragedy struck again at the mine’s 1300-foot level. While shovelling dirt into a shoot, Michael attempted to clear a blockage with a pinch bar—a dangerous task that should have been handled from below. As recounted in the Kalgoorlie Western Argus on August 6, 1912, a sudden collapse sent a cloud of dust rising, and Michael was nowhere to be found.
Eastern Goldfields Miners Memorial at the WA Museum in Kalgoorlie WA
His colleagues raised the alarm, but it was too late. Michael had fallen headfirst 100 feet down the shoot, suffocating under the weight of the sand. Despite desperate attempts at artificial respiration and a doctor’s examination confirming his passing, the loss was undeniable. A post-mortem revealed abrasions and congested lungs, pointing to suffocation as the cause of death. The jury concluded that Michael, a steady and competent worker, likely overbalanced at the shoot’s edge, marking the end of a life marked by both resilience and relentless hardship.
Michael Siney’s story is one of courage, community, and the unyielding spirit of a man who faced adversity head-on. Though his life was cut short, his legacy endures in the solidarity of those who stood by him and the rugged landscapes he helped shape.
A relative posted this verse from a well-known song:
It’s a working man I am
And I’ve been down underground
And I swear to God if l ever see the sun
Or for any length of time
I can hold it in my mind
I will never again go down underground.
Moya Sharp
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