Cork club 'devastated' after father of three killed by pet stag

Duhallow Huntsman Ger Withers pictured on his favourite horse Ruler. Picture Catherine Power

Gardaí and the Health and Safety Authority are investigating an accident in north Cork in which a professional huntsman – who was the father of a young family – was killed by a stag yesterday.

The accident took place at the Duhallow hunt kennels in Liscarroll. 

It is understood the deceased man went to feed the pet stag at the kennels and was attacked by the animal and died.

He has been named locally as Ger Withers, a married man in his 40s and a father of three young children.

The alarm was raised when he did not return home.

Mr Withers was well known in the area and highly regarded as a skilled huntsman hunting with Old English hounds.

In a statement, the garda press office said gardaí attended the scene of a workplace accident in Liscarroll, Co Cork on Tuesday, 29 December 2020.

They stated that a man, aged in his 40s, received fatal injuries. The local coroner was notified and his body was removed to the mortuary in Cork University Hospital.

The chairman of Duhallow Hunt, Pat Fleming, said the club are “devastated” by the death of Mr Withers.

However their devastation was" nothing compared to the loss to his wife and young family," Mr Fleming said.

Several contributors to the Irish Deer Commission social media site have also expressed their sadness and shock at Mr Withers' death.

In a statement tonight, Monday, the Duhallow Hunt said the late Ger Withers was "universally liked" and had a special bond with his unique hounds.

"The condolences & thoughts of the entire Duhallow Hunt community are with Ger’s family & friends at this time. Ger was a wonderful husband to Maria and father to Jack, Sarah & Jamie.

Ger was a gifted huntsman and had a unique & magic bond with his beloved hounds. 

"He was universally liked & respected by everyone who had the pleasure of meeting with him," the statement said.

They appealed for privacy for his family and friends at this time.

Hunting sources say it is standard and good practice to keep deer along with sheep and other animals at kennels to ensure the foxhounds are familiar with them so as not to give chase when out on the hunt.