GARDAÍ have launched an investigation after the body of a man was found in a deep drain near the Donegal/Fermanagh border.

A member of the public raised the alarm after finding the body on Saturday evening in the townland of Cloghore in Ballyshannon, about a quarter of a mile from Belleek.

The body of the father-of-one - who was named locally as Tommy Kelly - was taken to Sligo University Hospital for a post mortem examination.

It is believed that gardaí are treating the death of the 37-year-old as a tragic accident.

A carpenter by trade Mr Kelly is understood to have lived in Belleek but was a native of Cloghore. He was described by friends as a “popular and pleasant young man”.

“It is just so sad and such a tragedy for the large Kelly family, his partner and child," one resident in the area said. "Tommy was a popular and pleasant young man and had a word for everyone.

“He was witty and loved to make people laugh and will be sadly missed."