A WOMAN in her 70s, who was killed by cattle on her farm in Co Derry, has been described as a "hard working farmer all her life".
Breige McKeefry, a mother-of-six and grandmother from Garvagh, died on Tuesday afternoon following an incident on the family farm on the Carhill Road.
The McKeefry family are well-known in the farming community. A source close to the family said they are "totally distraught" by the tragedy. It is the second farming fatality in the north in less than a week.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSENI) is currently investigating. A post mortem was due to be carried out yesterday.
Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald said she was "shocked and saddened" by the sudden death and called for a "thorough investigation".
SDLP councillor Roisin Loftus said the community was "in shock".
“The victim was a hard working farmer all her life. It just demonstrates again the dangers that farm workers face, particularly at this time of year. I would encourage all farm workers to exercise extra caution, the last thing this community needs is another tragedy."
Mrs McKeefry is survived by her husband Mickey and children Michele, Fiona, Brendan, Olive, Michael and Johnny.
The HSENI meanwhile has appealed to members of the farming community to "always prioritise safety".
Last week Co Tyrone farmer Alastair Sloss, who was in his 50s, lost his life in a slurry related accident at his farm in Coagh while in September 30-year-old James Irwin from Dungannon, also in Co Tyrone, died in an accident involving machinery at his farm on Rhone Road.
