Currow struck by farm tragedy once again

CURROW’S community is in mourning once more after a 33-year old farmer was killed while working in the Lisheenbawn area, the second farmyard incident in just two months in the Currow area.

The man, from Lyre, Currow, fell off the roof of a shed while carrying out construction work at a nearby farm, according to a spokesperson for the Health and Safety Authority (HSA).

The incident occurred at approximately 11.30am on Monday. The victim was taken by ambulance to University Hospital Kerry, where he was pronounced dead.

IFA Kerry Chairman Seán Brosnan extended his deepest condolences to the man’s family.

“His father is someone I know personally through my work with the IFA” he said. “It’s a terrible tragedy, and I send my condolences. It’s especially painful given what happened in the same parish to Shane Foley of Barnfield just last winter.”

It is only a little over two months since another farm-related tragedy in the nearby townland of Barnfield, where 43-year-old Shane Foley was killed while removing a hedge-cutter from a tractor on his farm.

Councillor Bobby O’Connell described this latest incident as ‘desperately’ sad, and bemoaned the extent of tragedy Currow has endured in recent years, sentiments repeated by Councillor Brendan Cronin.

“This is another terrible tragedy for Currow. I extend my heartfelt sympathy to the family, and the feeling around the community is one of shock, especially given that he and Shane Foley came from the same area,” Cllr Cronin said.

While the man has been named locally, the family at time of print informed The Kerryman that some relatives had yet to be contacted and requested that the victim’s name not be published.

Gardaí and the Health and Safety Authority have told The Kerryman they are continuing their investigations and a post-mortem is due to take place today (Wednesday).

Seán Brosnan repeated the IFA’s safety message after the Currow tragedy. “We are putting out safety messages all the time, but sadly accidents continue to happen all the time.

“All I can say is remain vigilant at all times, and take the extra few minutes you need to keep yourself safe,” he added.