Man dies in Donegal farm incident

The men are believed to be twin brothers.

A 65-year-old farmer gored to death by a bull near Grianan on Wednesday, September 16, has been named as Patrick Dowds.

A man in his mid 60s was fatally injured and another man has been taken to Letterkenny General Hospital.

The alarm was raised when he didn’t return, and his brother George and a nephew went searching for him. The brothers, both unmarried, farmed beef and sheep.

Fr. Brendan Crowley, Parish Priest, at St Aengus’ in Burt said: “It is a very, very sad situation. The victim was well-known in the area and was just carrying out the usual farm activities when the incident happened”.

The officers were examining a number of items of clothing which were found in the field where the attack took place.

An Garda Síochána were alerted to the scene of the incident shortly afterwards and the area has been sealed off for investigation.

Family friend John Ryan, a local Fine Gael councillor, said the Dowds were experienced farmers.

“This is such a hard time for the family and for the entire community”.

“Patrick was a jolly man and a very good neighbour – very helpful”.

“It highlights the dangers that farmers face on a daily basis when they go about their work. And all our thoughts and prayers are with his family”.