Man released over farmer’s death

A MAN arrested in connection with the death of an elderly farmer in Co Mayo was released without charge last night.

A file on the matter is being prepared by gardaí for the DPP.

The 26-year-old was questioned throughout the day by gardaí investigating the “suspicious” death of 72-year-old John Gaughan.

Mr Gaughan’s body was found in the driveway of his home in Glosh, near Blacksod, on Sunday afternoon.

A post-mortem examination found he did not die of natural causes and suffered a number of injuries, many visible on his body.

He was last seen at around 8pm on Saturday when he socialising in the nearby village of Binghamstown. Gardaí believe he got a lift from the village and arrived at his home on the tip of the Erris peninsula at 8.30pm.

Detectives are trying to establish how the deceased suffered his injuries and are understood to be investigating if he was struck by a vehicle near his home.

Gardaí appealed on Tuesday for the driver of the car who gave Mr Gaughan a lift to come forward. They also asked for anyone who saw anything suspicious at Glosh to contact them.

The garda investigation progressed throughout Tuesday and at 10.30pm they arrested a man in connection with the death. He had beendetained under section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.

Mr Gaughan’s funeral is due to take place today.

Meanwhile, gardaí investigating a fatal stabbing in Roscrea, Co Tipperary, last Sunday, released the name of the deceased yesterday. He was Tomas Studnicky, 36, from the Czech Republic.

A woman was arrested in relation to the death on Monday and was released from custody on Tuesday. Gardaí are preparing a file for the Director of Public Prosecutions.