An elderly man found dead in a Sligo field on New Year's Eve may have been confused and disorientated before he collapsed in a field full of silage bales.
Mr Michael John Helly (84), single, a farmer from Cabragh, Rathlee, Easkey was reported missing from his home to gardaí on Tuesday by a nephew who was concerned about his whereabouts.
After an extensive search by gardaí, Civil Defence personnel and civilians failed to locate him, an Air Corps helicopter was called in by the Coastguard Service the following day.
After just over an hour in the air, the helicopter crew, who are based at Finner Camp in Donegal, spotted Mr Helly's body in a neighbour's farm about 300 metres from his own house.
The Air Corps team had initially concentrated their search on a nearby stretch of coastline around Lenadoon Point.
Having searched the shoreline, the crew swung their craft inland and within minutes discovered Mr Helly's body.
Alerted by the helicopter team, gardaí were quickly on the scene.
Mr Helly was pronounced dead and his body was transferred to Sligo General Hospital where a post mortem was held later.
Gardaí say they believe that Mr Helly entered his neighbour's farm through a boundary fence and may have become confused when he found himself in strange terrain surrounded by bulky silage bales unable to find his way out of the large field. The cold weather conditions produced a coating of frost across the field.
Mr Helly was said by locals to have been in good form on December 8th when he attended a senior citizens party in the Castle Arms Hotel, Enniscrone.
Mr Helly was known as "a good old-time waltzer" and spent some time on the dance floor during the old folks party.
Despite his advanced years, Mr Helly, who lived alone, still participated in farming activities and drove a tractor.
There was a large turnout last evening when Mr Helly's body was brought to Easkey church. Burial will take place today following solemn Requiem Mass.