Body of farmer (59) found on his farm in Co Galway

The Health and Safety Authority and gardaí are investigating the death of a farmer on his premises in north Galway late this week.

The 59-year-old farmer is believed to have fallen through the roof of his shed and sustained fatal injuries.

The man has been named locally as Michael McGrath, a taxi-driver and part-time farmer,who was known for his keen interest in music.

He lived alone at Crumlin, Ballyglunin, Co Galway, and his body was discovered on the premises on Thursday.

Preliminary investigations suggest the incident may have occurred some hours or even a day before.

The HSA said it had been notified and would carry out an investigation, as it was a workplace incident. A coroner’s report will also be prepared by the gardaí.

The HSA confirmed that this was the 16th farm fatality so far this year.

The fatality rate in agriculture is far higher than in any other economic sector, the authority has noted.