A LIMERICK farmer who died unexpectedly following a tragic farm incident in which he was attacked by a cow has been laid to rest.
91-year-old Donal O’Connor, of Tarbert Island, formerly of Main Street, Ballylongford, County Kerry, died at his farm at Morgan’s North, Barrigone, Askeaton on January 19.
It’s understood Mr O’Connor was tending to cattle when he was attacked by a cow.
Tributes have flooded in following the farmer’s untimely passing, with many describing him as “a gentleman” and a “great friend” who people “shared many cups of tea with”.
Mr O’Connor was laid to rest this past Saturday (January 24) following funeral service at St Mary’s Church in Tarbet. He was buried afterwards in the Chapel Yard.
Donal is predeceased by his beloved wife BrÃd, his parents John and Elizabeth (nee Langan) and his brother Anthony.
He is survived by his daughters Elizabeth, Marie, and Edel, siblings Ted, Kathleen, and Anne, friend Helen, and a wide network of family and friends who, his death notice read, “are greatly saddened to realise that the torch that illuminated our path, into past history and folklore is now extinguished”.
The Askeaton man’s death was the second fatal farm incident in Limerick over the past week.
TJ Sweeney, a former resident of Broadford, lost his life following a separate incident on a farm in Dromcollogher on Saturday last (January 24).
Emergency services attended the scene, but Mr Sweeney, who was in his 30s, was pronounced dead shortly after.
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and An Garda SÃochána have launched separate investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Tributes have since been pouring in for the popular farmer, with Limerick TD Richard O’Donoghue among those paying their respects.
TJ will repose at Sexton’s Funeral Home, Broadford, this Wednesday evening (Wednesday) from 6pm with removal at 8 pm to the Church of Our Lady of the Snows, Broadford.
Funeral mass will take place on Thursday at 12.30pm, followed by cremation at Shannon Crematorium at 4pm.
TJ is survived by his wife Tara, parents Pat and Eileen, siblings Aiden, Padraig, Darren, and Shane, and his wide extended family.