Second farm tragedy in days

A MAN in his 70s has died following a accident on a farm in Co. Monaghan yesterday. It’s understood the man was working on the farm at the time of the tragedy.

A Garda spokesman said the elderly man fell into a slurry pit near Threemilehouse shortly after 3pm.

The Health and Safety Authority has launched an investigation into the incident. It is the second farming tragedy to occur in the past four days.

Last weekend, Pat Quinn was killed on his farm in Castlelucas, Claremorris, Co. Mayo, while he was collecting bales on a farm vehicle.

Mr Quinn, who was in his 50s, was rushed to Mayo General Hospital in Castlebar, where he was pronounced dead.

No further details were available last night but a full investigation is understood to be under way to determine the circumstances of the man’s death.

Last year, there were a total of 24 workrelated fatal accidents on Irish farms – the eighth year in a row the sector to show record level of such fatalities.