A man in his late 50s was killed in a farming incident in Co Clare yesterday.
It is understood the man was struck by his own tractor on a farm in Ballyhea, near Ennis. He was found about 9.50pm and pronounced dead at the scene.
His body was taken to the University Hospital Limerick for a postmortem.
Inspectors from the Health and Safety Authority examined the scene today.
A total of 21 people have died on farms in the State so far this year, five more than the total for all of 2013.
Irish Farmers’ Association president Eddie Downey said the number of farm fatalities so far this year had been “truly shocking”.
“The fact is farming is one of the most dangerous occupations there is, so safety has to be a top priority at all times,” he said. “We would urge everybody on the farm - no matter how experienced - to realise the dangers that exist, be vigilant, and take extra time to consider risks and consequences.”
It is the second farm related death in Co Clare in less than three weeks. A 38-year-old man was killed on his farm near Liscannor on August 20th.
