‘Squatter’ cattle removed again off disputed land

A GAME of ‘cat and mouse’ involving a herd of cattle continued yesterday on a west Limerick farm, the ownership of which has led to one farmer being locked up in jail.

Sixteen ‘squatter’ cattle were removed eight days ago by the Roche family, lawful owners of the 40-acre farm at Rathcahill, Templeglantine.

A neighbouring farmer Danny Doherty claimed the land had been “left” to him but lost the claim in court.

He is refusing to purge his contempt of a court order that he has no right to the land. Today marks his third week in jail.

In a three-hour operation, a total of 16 animals — 15 dry stock and one cow — belonging to Doherty were removed from the land over a week ago.

Earlier this week, five of the cattle were mysteriously returned to the land.

And, in the latest twist, those animals were again removed yesterday by the Roche family.

Bachelor brothers Eddie and Matt Roche had farmed the craggy hillside holding at Rachcahill, Templelantine. They eked out a living with a few dairy cows. Keen ‘doggy’ men, they also kept a few greyhounds.

Matt died in 2002. When Eddie passed away two years later battle lines were drawn in a bitter struggle for the holding A nephew of the Roche brothers, Eamonn Roche, was appointed administrator of the property on behalf of 12 nephews and nieces.

Doherty, aged 40, challenged their right to the land, saying he helped the bachelor brothers run the farm, saving hay and walking their greyhounds. He also claimed Matt told him the land was his when both brothers died.

He lost his case in the Circuit Court and an appeal by him was thrown out by the High Court.

Following the court hearings, Doherty refused to vacate the farm.

Emmet O’Brien, barrister for the Roche family described Doherty in court as “a land grabber.”

Judge Carroll Moran jailed Doherty for contempt and said when he had a change of mind the court would facilitate his early release.

Doherty had 15 cattle and one cow grazing on the land at Rathcahill.

Mr O’Brien said they would transfer the animals to the Doherty land if given garda cover.

On Thursday of last week, Sergeant John Lynch from Abbeyfeale and six gardaí travelled to the farm with the administrator Eamonn Roche and some of his relatives and removed Doherty’s cattle to his land 10km from Rathcahill.

Earlier this week, five of the cattle were found back grazing on the Rathcahill land.

And, yesterday, they were again removed by members of the Roche family, back to Doherty’s land.