A round-up of today's regional news in brief
Investigation into Offaly death involving tractor
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has launched an investigation into Ireland’s first farm fatality this year.
A father of four was killed while working with a tractor near Daingean, Co Offaly, yesterday. The man, who was in his 50s, was named locally as Geashill native Sean Mulligan. Mr Mulligan, an agricultural contractor and farmer, was married with four sons.
His clothes are believed to have become entangled in machinery while working with the tractor at a friend’s farm. The incident occurred between Daingean and Ballinagar at 11.30am.
Independent councillor Eddie Fitzpatrick said Mr Mulligan was “hugely popular”. He described the death as “a serious blow for Geashill and the north Offaly area”.
Tributes paid to noted philanthropist
Warm tributes have been paid to Matty Ryan, a leading figure in the business and social life of Co Tipperary .
Mr Ryan, who ran a well-known family jewellery business at Liberty Square in Thurles, died suddenly on Sunday at the age of 65. He was a noted philanthropist and a leading figure in promoting and supporting the North Tipperary Hospice Movement of which he was chairman.
His removal takes place to Thurles Cathedral this evening and his funeral will take place tomorrow with requiem Mass at 12 noon, followed by cremation at Little Island, Cork.
Man denies 'misusing courts' in rape trial
A young Donegal man has claimed he had sex with a teenage girl, who was accusing his friend of rape, weeks before the alleged incident.
The man denied under cross-examination by Conor Devally, prosecuting in the Central Criminal Court, that he had been called in “like the cavalry” to rescue his friend in a “cynical misuse of the courts”.
The man denied these charges.
The 23-year-old accused has pleaded not guilty to rape, anal rape and defilement of the girl on a date in February 2008.
The trial continues.