Farmer, 68, injured in violent land row suffered heart attack

PRELIMINARY results from a postmortem examination on the 65-year-old Co Cork farmer, who died after an alleged violent fracas, indicate that he suffered a heart attack.

The dead man was named as John Twomey last night. Gardaí are still investigating the circumstances leading up to Mr Twomey’s death. It is understood he had been involved in a long-running dispute with a neighbour over land.

On Tuesday, after 3.30pm, gardaí were alerted to the incident at the Twomey farm at Mount Rivers, Rylane, near Coachford, amid reports that an assault involving three men had allegedly taken place.

It is understood a confrontation took place with another man in his 50s. At the time, John and his 68-year-old brother, Patrick, were using a mechanical digger to reclaim land in the disputed area. Both Twomey brothers sustained injuries and were being taken to Cork University Hospital (CUH), when John suffered a fatal heart attack.

Paramedics attempted to revive him but he was pronounced dead a short time later. His brother, who suffered injuries to his head and body, was described as being stable.

Garda sources said they were aware of the dispute over a boundary field.

Inspector Tony Sugrue said an incident room had been set up at Crookstown Garda Station, and appealed for help from the public.

“It was gardaí that called the ambulance that brought Mr Twomey to CUH. Ongoing assistance from the public is vital to the investigation. Many people have already come forward and we are very appreciative of that,” he said.

Crookstown Garda Station can be contacted at 026 20590.