Man, 21, dies following suspected fox hunting accident in Co Carlow

A spokesperson said the man sustained fatal injuries.

A 21-year-old man has died in what is understood to be an accidental shooting in Co Carlow.

Gardaí confirmed that a man died in a "firearms incident" at a rural location near Leighlinbridge on Tuesday night. The incident occurred at around 11pm. 

It is believed the man had been fox hunting with friends when the incident took place.

Emergency services and gardaí were called to the scene, and it is understood the man died a short time later.

His body has been taken to University Hospital Waterford where an autospy will be carried out.

Gardaí have cordoned off the area to allow for a forensic and technical examination.

Fine Gael councillor Michael Doran said the entire community is “completely shocked” by what happened, calling the incident “tragic”.

He said his thoughts are with the man’s family, who are well known and he paid his condolences to his relatives and friends. 

A statement from Garda HQ said: "Gardaí were called to a firearms incident at a rural location near Leighlinbridge, Co. Carlow, late yesterday evening, Tuesday 2 December 2025.

"A male aged in his early 20s sustained fatal injuries. The scene is currently held for technical examination.

"Enquiries are ongoing and no further information is available at this time."