Dispute was over ownership of farm

Background: The genesis of the weekend tragedy which led to the deaths of James Healy and Michael Kehoe lies in a long-running dispute over the 50-acre farm perched atop a ridge overlooking the scenic Barrow valley in south Carlow.

The farm, situated in the southernmost corner of Co Carlow between Kilkenny to the west and the Blackstairs Mountains and Wexford to the east, had been farmed by Mr Kehoe's father, Simon, and his wife, Mary.

Mr Kehoe had continued farming the land, a mixture of tillage and grazing, when his parents died nearly a decade ago. For the past number of years he had lived alone after his sister, Catherine, and brother John moved out.

However, Mr Kehoe's parents had died intestate, which meant that although he had done most of the work to build up the farm and its stock of cattle and sheep, it was to be shared out equally with his two siblings.

The Irish Times understands that a number of years ago, Mr Kehoe's sister, Catherine, had sought her share of the farm, which resulted in legal action which culminated in a High Court order in the autumn of 2003 that a portion of the farm be sold off.

Mr Kehoe felt highly aggrieved over this and consulted at least four solicitors.

But he was reluctant to accept the legal advice that because his parents died intestate, the farm was to be divided in three.

Following the High Court order, some 27 acres was put up for auction in the spring of 2004 but local farmers turned up in support of Mr Kehoe and told the auctioneer that they would not be bidding for it as they believed Mr Kehoe deserved to keep the land.

The Irish Times understands that some time after this, the 27 acres was subsequently purchased by James Healy - who was not from the immediate area but from Paulstown some 15 miles away - for approximately €80,000.

Gardaí said yesterday the purchase of the land by Mr Healy led to civil proceedings between himself and Mr Kehoe. Garda sources said they had been notified on a number of occasions about the dispute by members of the Healy family.

Yesterday, Chief Supt Pat Murphy of Waterford-Kilkenny Division, who is heading the investigation, extended his sympathies and that of the officers involved in the investigation to both families on their tragic losses.

"This was a massive tragedy for both families, but also for the community. The sense of sorrow amongst friends and neighbours was palpable at the scene on Saturday and that sadness deepened when news of the second tragedy emerged," he said.

Prayers for both men were said yesterday at Masses in Mr Kehoe's home parish of St Mullins and the neighbouring parish of Graiguenamanagh, as well as at Masses in Mr Healy's home parish of Paulstown.

Mr Healy, who worked in IT and accountancy, is survived by his wife, Yvonne, and son James (8). He is also survived by brothers, Brian and Pearse, sisters Eleanor and Lisa and parents Jim and Eilis.

The removal of Mr Healy's remains will be from his home to Paulstown church at 7.30pm this evening with the burial following requiem Mass in Paulstown at 11am tomorrow.

Mr Kehoe - who is survived by his sister, Catherine, and brother John - will be buried at St Mullins Cemetery following requiem Mass at 11am tomorrow.