Tributes to Kerry farmer and All-Ireland sheep shearing champion who died in farm fatality
Breda Lynch was an All-Ireland sheep shearing champion on several occasions.
Tributes are being paid to a multiple All-Ireland sheep shearing champion who was killed in a farming accident in Co Kerry on Tuesday.
She has been named locally as Breda Lynch, 64, from Bonane, Kenmare, who lost her life following a fatal farm accident in Kerry. The fatal workplace accident occurred in Bonane on Tuesday evening at 5pm.
Ms Lynch was an All-Ireland sheep shearing champion on several occasions. Speaking at an event in 2019 about her career, she said she wasn’t sure how many All-Irelands she had won. "I definitely have 12 but it could be 14."
She added: "I didn’t get a trophy every year I won so I don’t actually know how many I have won.
"I won the All-Ireland Ladies Championship on Sunday with the electric shears, and I had only gone up as a spectator. I’ve been ill for a few years, and at one point I thought I’d never compete again. It was a spur-of-the-moment thing. I also got a certificate for Outstanding Service to the Sheep-Shearing Industry’’.
Paying tribute, local councillor Dan McCarthy, who is also the manager of Kenmare Mart, said there was huge shock in the area at Breda's death. "She was very well-known in this area and beyond."
A spokesperson for An Garda Siochána confirmed they attended the accident and the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
“Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of a work-related incident that occurred in Bonane, Kenmare, Co Kerry, on Tuesday June 17, 2025, at approximately 5pm.”
Gardaí said an examination of the scene was conducted. The Coroner for Kerry has been notified and a file will be prepared for the Coroner’s Court. The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) was notified and is investigating the matter. The HSA has also confirmed an investigation is under way. No funeral arrangements have been made as yet.
