The strenuous nature of farming work, especially for those with health conditions, was underscored by the tragic death of a 66-year-old farmer from Co Mayo, who passed away while assisting a cow in delivering its calf, stated a coroner on Monday. The farmer, single and known as Johnny Harrington, collapsed and died on his farm, Bushfield, Charlestown, on the 29th of February. Mr. Harrington was found expired in a field near his house while engaged in the challenging task of pulling a calf using a calving jack.
The newborn calf was discovered nearby, while the calving jack remained gripped in Harrington’s hands. Pathology consultant, Dr. Fadel Bennani, conducted a postmortem examination, revealing Mr Harrington’s death was due to ischemic heart disease as a result of occlusive coronary atheroma. The coroner, Pat O’Connor who was acquainted with Mr Harrington, confirmed the cause of death as natural.
Mr O’Connor stated that Mr Harrington’s death would leave a void in his local community, highlighting his involvement in the labour-intensive task of calving. He emphasised the underestimated intensity of farming work and advised those engaged in such occupations to have periodic health assessments. The coroner also expressed his deep condolences to the family of Mr Harrington, a sentiment joined by Sgt Noel Crinnegan, representing An Garda Síochána.