Cork farmer dies after drowning in River Bandon while getting water for animals

The man was found in the River Bandon at Dunmanway after entering the water during dry weather to get water for his animals

The man's body has been removed to Cork University Hospital mortuary, where a post-mortem examination will be arranged, a garda statement said. Picture: Dan Linehan

A farmer has drowned in Co Cork while trying to get water for his animals from a local river.

The man, who was aged in his 50s, was found in the River Bandon at Dunmanway, Co Cork, on Wednesday evening.

Gardaí and emergency services were called to the scene, but the man was pronounced dead after being removed from the water.

His death has been described as a “tragic accident”.

"He went into the river to get water for his animals, but as the water levels had dropped so much [with the dry weather] he went in much further than he usually would. He slipped into a 3m hole and could not get out," a source said.

The man's body has been removed to Cork University Hospital mortuary, where an autopsy will be arranged, a garda statement said.

The coroner and the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) have been notified.

'Very sad news'

Independent Ireland TD for Cork South West Michael Collins described the incident as “very sad news”.

He said that the man had been getting water for his animals from the River Bandon, which a lot of farmers were having to do due to the hot weather.

“We all have to be so careful around water in this weather, but it’s difficult when people have to retrieve water for their animals, there is a serious drought at the moment and farmers are under severe pressure to make sure their animals are catered for.

“My sincere sympathies to his family at this time for their tragic loss, and to his neighbours and friends,” Mr Collins said.