'Huge loss to the historical and literary world': Tributes paid to farmer, 90s, attacked by cow in Limerick

A FARMER, 91, who died after he was attacked by a cow on his land in County Limerick will be laid to rest on Saturday.

The death notice of Donal O’Connor says that his passing was unexpected on Monday, January 19 at his farm at Morgan’s North, Barrigone, Askeaton.

One local told Limerick Live that the elderly man was tending to cattle, that were being outwintered, and it is believed he may have been attacked by a cow.

“He was found deceased some time later under his jeep and the emergency services were contacted,” they said. 

Gardai and emergency services attended the scene in Askeaton at around 6pm on Monday evening. The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) was notified.

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Many tributes have been paid to Mr O’Connor, of Tarbert Island, Tarbert and formerly of Main Street, Ballylongford, County Kerry. He has been described as “wise and gentle, knowledgeable historian, farmer and sage”. 

One person took to rip.ie to express his sympathies to Mr O’Connor’s family and wide circle of friends following his “tragic demise”.

“I had known Donal for many years and appreciated his wonderful grasp of local history and especially his deep sense of place. Donal was never too busy to take a call and his response, always generous. A shining light has been quenched and departed our lives,” they said.

Another wrote that Mr O’Connor’s presence at the Rambling Houses in Listowel, Knockanure and Clounmacon will be sorely missed.

Deputy Michael Healy-Rae extended his deepest sympathy to all the O’Connor and extended families. 

“I’m very sorry for your great loss at this sad time. May the late Donal rest in peace,” said the TD. His brother - Deputy Danny Healy-Rae - also passed on his condolences.

The committee of the Balydonoghue Bardic Festival said Mr O’Connor was “a committed supporter of all things good in the community” and “a huge loss to the historical and literary world”.

Mr O’Connor is predeceased by his beloved wife Bríd (née Stack of Carrueragh, Kilmorna), his parents John and Elizabeth (nee Langan) and his brother Anthony.

Donal will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by his heartbroken daughters Elizabeth, Marie and Edel, his brother Ted, his sisters Kathleen (Galvin) and Ann (Stack), his special friend Helen Murphy, sons-in-law, grandchildren, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family, relatives, neighbours, a large circle of friends and “our community who are greatly saddened to realise, that the torch that illuminated our path, into past history and folklore is now extinguished”.

Mr O’Connor will repose at St Mary’s Funeral Home, Tarbert on this Friday evening, January 23 from 6pm until 8pm. 

His funeral cortege will depart Tarbert Island on Saturday morning, January 24 at 11.30am to arrive at St Mary’s Church, Tarbert for Requiem Mass at noon. Interment to follow in the Chapel Yard.

Mr O’Connor’s family ask for donations, if desired, to Debra Ireland in lieu of flowers.

His death notice ends with a poem by Thomas MacGreevy.

’A Chain on a Ship at the Pier

Rattled to Silence,

Cries of Children, Playing Sounded Faintly

And, Musically, Somewhere,

A Young Sailor of the Island’’

May he rest in peace.