Eugene McSweeney has been remembered as ‘a hardworking, young farmer who only was trying to look after his animals, like so many others’
Eugene McSweeney’s body was taken from the water and removed to Cork University Hospital mortuary for post-mortem examination
Tributes have been paid to a ‘hardworking’ farmer who drowned as he was filling up barrels of water for his animals in a river in Co Cork.
The body of Eugene McSweeney, 55, was taken from the River Bandon outside Dunmanway on Wednesday evening.
Gardaí and emergency services attended after the alarm was raised locally. Mr McSweeney was pronounced dead at the scene.
His body was transferred to Cork University Hospital for a postmortem examination.
Mr McSweeney, who was from Dunmanway, has been remembered as “a man of the land” who was “a pleasure to chat and engage with”, as friends and neighbours paid tribute to the popular farmer.
One mourner said: “My sincerest condolences to you Rick, Julie & Jack to your Sister Kay and her respective family on the very tragic and untimely passing of your late brother Eugene. A man of the land, caring for his animals, taken so suddenly from you all. Remembering you all at this very difficult time. May Eugene’s soul now rest in eternal peace.”
Another person added: “We want to express our deepest condolences to Eugene’s family and friends. A truly shocking loss of a man who only was trying to look after his animals, like so many others. Thinking of you all at this awful time.”
A third person said: “Such a freak accident to occur to a hard working, young farmer looking after the needs of his livestock, which all farmers do ordinarily on a daily basis. The farming community mourns his passing. His neighbours are so saddened by this tragedy, a stark reminder of the fragility of life. They will rally round the family to provide comfort and practical support at this time.”
While a fourth added: “Sincerest condolences to all of the McSweeney family on the sad and sudden loss of Eugene. Always a gent and a pleasure to chat and engage with. Rest in eternal peace.”
Mr McSweeney will lie in repose in O’Neill’s Funeral Home from 6pm to 7:30pm on Sunday, with his funeral mass due to be held on Monday morning at 11:00am in St. Patrick’s Church, Dunmanway The Cork native will then be laid to rest at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.
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