A MAN is expected to be interviewed by gardaí in connection with the suspicious death of a 65-year-old farmer from north Cork.
John Twomey, from the parish of Rylane/Aghabullogue near Coachford, was pronounced dead at Cork University Hospital at 6.30pm on Tuesday, following a suspected heart attack.
The farmer had been taken by ambulance to the hospital for treatment after he and his older brother Patrick had been involved in a dispute allegedly over land with a third party.
The brothers incurred cuts and wounds in the course of the incident but their condition was not thought to be life-threatening.However, John Twomey's condition deteriorated rapidly and he was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.
It is understood the incident happened while the two elderly brothers were dredging a stream next to a field in Rylane.
Gardaí are treating the death as suspicious pending the results of a postmortem examination which was carried out yesterday afternoon at Cork University Hospital. It is understood the results will not be made public for operational reasons. Gardaí said the postmortem results would direct the course of their investigation.
Prayers were offered at the parish church in Rylane yesterday for John Twomey. Locals also prayed for his older brother Patrick.
He was being treated in hospital yesterday. While his condition was described as "stable", he was said to be deeply shocked by the loss of his brother.
Fr Michael Corkery, who celebrated Mass in the parish yesterday, said the whole area was numb following the passing of a respected member of the community. "This is an idyllic beautiful spot. It is the kind of area that tourists come to for peace. It is an honest place where people work hard. These are decent, hard-working farming people in a most peaceful community.
"Our thoughts are with the family involved. They should never forget that God will help them deal with these difficult days," he said.
Mr Twomey is survived by his partner of 15 years, Monica Moorhouse, who was being comforted by relatives yesterday.
Ms Moorhouse said she was shocked when her partner's brother told her of the dispute that occurred with another man. The men had arrived back at the Twomey farmhouse with cuts and bruises after the incident.
The scene of the incident remained sealed off yesterday.