Tragic farming incident claims life of Mayo man

A 77-year-old man has died from injuries sustained on a seaside farm in Mayo.

Patrick (Paddy) Geraghty, who lived and farmed on the Erris Peninsula at Mullaghroe, Clogher, Belmullet, was checking his stock last Saturday evening when a newly calved cow charged at him.

He was treated by emergency services at the scene before being airlifted in an Irish Coastguard helicopter to University College Hospital in Galway.

He passed away at the hospital some time later.

Family, other relatives, friends and neighbours are mourning the death of the popular and hardworking farmer who is survived by his wife Ellen (Ellie) and family.

The funeral arrangements will be announced later.

Councillor Sean Carey, an elected member of Mayo County Council in the Belmullet Electoral Area, commented that the community was stunned by the tragedy.

“We especially feel for the bereaved family on their sad and sudden loss," Councillor Carey said.

The danger posed by newly calved cows and heifers to farmers is frequently highlighted by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA).

Newly calved animals may become aggressive to any intruders in their space, the authority warns.