'Close-knit farming community' in shock following fatal shooting in Mayo

A man, 80s, arrested in connection with the shooting remains in custody at Castlebar Garda Station.

'Close-knit farming community' in shock following fatal shooting in Mayo

Latest: The victim of last night's shooting in Co Mayo has been described as a popular man who will be missed.

The farmer - who was in his 60s - was shot dead at Aghamore near Ballyhaunis shortly before midnight.

According to reports, he has been named locally as Brendan Kilduff.

Gardaí said in a statement this evening that the body of the deceased has been removed to Mayo University Hospital.

A post mortem carried out by a pathologist from the State Pathologists Office is expected to be completed today.

The scene is currently being examined by investigators from the Garda Technical Bureau.

Local councillor John Caulfield said the "wonderful, close-knit farming community" is in shock.

"This is a complete shock to them. They are devastated this morning."

A man, 80s, arrested in connection with the shooting remains in custody at Castlebar Garda Station.

Gardaí are continuing to appeal for anyone with information to contact Claremorris Garda Station on 094 937 2080, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.

Earlie: Man, 80s, arrested after fatal shooting in Mayo

By Tom Shiel

A rural community is coming to grips this morning with the death of a farmer in his sixties in a shooting incident at Aughamore near the east Mayo town of Ballyhaunis.

The victim, who lived in the general Aughamore/Knock area, died from gunshot wounds.

The shooting occurred around five minutes to midnight in a small townland not far from the centre of Aughamore village.

It is understood shots were fired after the elderly man heard activity outside his property.

The man who has been arrested and held for questioning at Castlebar Garda Station is in his eighties. A farmer, he lived alone.

The body is still at scene pending the arrival of a State pathologist.

There’s no access to the farm where the shooting took place as the area is sealed off for a forensic examination.

Neighbours of both men say they had been friendly. They are both involved in farming activities.

Shocked neighbours expressed their bafflement this morning as to the reason for the shooting.

“It will take time to figure this out”, one Aughamore resident said.

An incident room has been set up at Claremorris Garda Station. A press conference is expected in the afternoon which is expected to cast greater light on the tragedy. Gardaí are appealing to anyone with information on the incident to contact Claremorris Garda Station on 094 9372080, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

more courts articles

Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother
Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van
Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman

More in this section

Pile or group of multi colored and different sizes of colourful foil wrapped chocolate easter eggs in pink, blue, and gold. Larg Young sisters donate hundreds of Easter eggs to children's hospital
Ireland has third highest level of deaths on rural roads in EU  Ireland has third highest level of deaths on rural roads in EU 
Mother and daughters killed in Mayo crash named locally, as husband returns to Ireland 'Their smiles lit up the room': Tributes paid to mother and daughters killed in Mayo crash
War_map
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited