Body of man (85) found in Mayo

The body of an 85-year-old man was found yesterday afternoon at his farmyard at Derryhillagh, Castlehill, Ballina.

The body of an 85-year-old man was found yesterday afternoon at his farmyard at Derryhillagh, Castlehill, Ballina.

Gardaí believe the man died following a fall in which he sustained serious head injuries.

The man's body was found yesterday afternoon at around 2pm.

The pensioner's death is the second such fatality in the county in recent days. An elderly man was found dead outside his home in Claremorris, Co Mayo, early on Thursday.

READ MORE

The body of Tom Connolly, a pensioner in his 70s, was discovered by a relative outside his front door at Luí Na Gréine, Claremorris, at about 10.30am.

It is understood the body had been in the open since about 9pm the previous night. Temperatures in the Claremorris area had plunged well below zero overnight on Wednesday.

Am 81-year-old pensioner died of suspected hypothermia after he fell in a field on his way home in north Cork last Monday.

Donal O'Connell (81), from Milford, was reported missing on Monday. His car was found stuck in a field off a boreen the following day and his body was discovered near by. Gardaí believe he may been trying to turn his car in a field when the vehicle got stuck.

Age Action, Muintir na Tire and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul are jointly running a helpline service for older people who cannot contact anybody and who may be running short of urgent supplies.

Eamon Timins of Age Action, the older people's charity has issued a plea to the public to check on older neighbours and to ensure they have sufficient supplies.

"The weekend offers a great opportunity to do this for people who may be working during the week," Mr Timmins said.

Useful numbers:

Age Action 01-4756989

Muintir na Tire 086-6000751

Society of St Vincent de Paul 01-8386990