Cork farmer dies after drowning while getting water for animals

A farmer has drowned in Co Cork while trying to get water for his animals from a local river.

The man, in his 50s, got into difficulty in the River Bandon at Dunmanway in Cork on Wednesday evening.

Gardaí and emergency services responded to the incident.

He was pronounced dead, and his body was taken to Cork University Hospital for a post-mortem exam.

Gardaí said the coroner and the Health and Safety Authority have been notified.

He has been named locally as Eugene McSweeney from Ballyboy, near Dunmanway in Co Cork.

It is understood that Mr McSweeney, who was single, slipped in to a submerged hole and could not get out.

Farmers are increasingly under pressure to secure water supplies for their cattle as the long dry spell continues.

Independent Ireland TD for Cork South West Michael Collins told The Irish Examiner the man had been getting water for his animals from the River Bandon, which a lot of farmers were having to do due to the hot weather.

“We all have to be so careful around water in this weather, but it’s difficult when people have to retrieve water for their animals, there is a serious drought at the moment, and farmers are under severe pressure to make sure their animals are catered for.

“My sincere sympathies to his family at this time for their tragic loss, and to his neighbours and friends,” Collins said.