Ballina farmer dies after fall

Ballina farmer (85) dies after fall


Anton McNulty

Older people and farmers in particular have been advised to take great caution when outside during the cold weather after a Ballina farmer became the second pensioner to die as a result of the freezing weather conditions.
The body of 85-year-old farmer, Peter Irwin of Derryhillagh, Castlehill, Ballina, was found on his farm. It appears that after he went to check on livestock at midday, he slipped on an icy patch in his farmyard. He was discovered an hour later by relatives who came to check him. Despite being rushed to Mayo General Hospital, he sustained severe head injuries and was dead on admission.
Despite his aging years, Mr Irwin was described by people who knew him as determined and conscientious and someone who felt it was important to keep busy in order to stay contented. He lived alone on his farm located in an isolated area near the northern slope of Nephin mountain and got around with the use of a walking stick but continued to drive a tractor.
He was described locally as a ‘good neighbour and very kind’ and his neighbour Edmond Blake told The Irish Times that he ‘was always happy’ and ‘you would never see him in bad form’.
Mr Irwin had been a very active member of the IFA in Mayo and the current IFA chairperson in Mayo, Martin Gavin, extended his sympathy to his family and neighbours. He told The Mayo News that it was important that neighbours of older farmers help them with their farm work to ensure they did not have to venture out in the dangerous conditions.
“I would urge people to look out for their older neighbours and I would advise older people to stay indoors as much as possible.” he said.
Martin explained that many farmers were finding it difficult to tend to their stock who may be on different holdings away from the main farm because of the icy roads. He also called on farmers to ensure there are no water spills on their farm yard, as they could make the place treacherous.
“A concrete farm yard can be very dangerous when water freezes on it and I urge farmers to take precautions not to spill water. They should keep them as dry as possible … People should put down sand or straw in order to give a grip and prevent more falls,” he said.