Man knocked down while attempting to move dead horse

A man has died after being knocked down while trying to move the body of his horse, which had been killed on the road earlier in the day.

The incident happened shortly before midnight at Grallagh, Ballyhaunis, on Wednesday.

Gardaí said the 45-year-old victim’s horse had died after being hit by a vehicle earlier. The man had moved the animal off the road and had returned with a friend to retrieve the body when he was struck by a car while walking on the road.

He was pronounced dead at the scene and his body has been removed to Mayo General Hospital for Post Mortem examination. No other persons were injured.

The scene of the incident is preserved for examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators and traffic diversions are in place. The local Coroner has been notified.

Gardaí­are appealing for witnesses to contact Ballyhaunis Garda Station on (094) 9630008 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.