A toddler and a man (67) died in separate incidents on farms today.
The boy drowned in a rainwater lagoon shortly before noon in Donore in Co Meath. It is understood the infant had been visiting his grandfather’s farm when the tragic accident happened.
The boy, believed to be 21 months old, was rushed to Our Lady’s Hospital in Drogheda where he was later pronounced dead.
Investigating gardaí said his death was a tragic accident.
Separately, a pensioner died after falling through the roof of a shed on his farm in Cooleigh, Fethard, Co Tipperary.
It is understood the man, who was pronounced dead at the scene, hit his head on cement flooring when he landed. The fall happened at about 9.30am.
The Health and Safety Authority confirmed it has begun investigating both deaths.
The accidents bring the number of deaths on farms so far this year to 23 - compared to 13 recorded throughout 2009.
PA