A reward has been offered for any information relating to a number of cattle that were stolen from a Co. Louth farmer over the weekend.

The 14 cattle taken – which are red Limousins crossed with Charolais, aged approximately 18 months – are believed to have been stolen on Saturday evening (November 4) between 6:00pm and 7:00pm.

The cattle were taken from Tom Kirk, of Ravanny, Dundalk, Co. Louth and are thought to be worth in the region of €17,000. The animals were reportedly stolen from the owner’s shed, where the feed barriers for a number of pens were lowered.

A neighbour saw a lorry with no lights on drive in to where the shed is located – a distance of about two and a half miles off the main road according to Kirk – and back out a short time later.

Kirk has offered a reward for any information leading to their recovery. Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact the Gardai. Ardee Garda Station can be reached at: 041-6853222.

Saturday saw a series of rural crimes occur across the country. In Co. Offaly, a farmer was hospitalised after being assaulted during a burglary of his home in the early hours of Saturday morning.

At approximately 2:00am on the morning of November 4, intruders forced their way into the farmer’s home in Glasderry beg, Brosna.

It is understood that the man, who is in his 50s and lives alone, was then assaulted by the intruders who unlawfully entered his home. Following this the victim was then locked into a shed, while the criminals fled the scene.

The alarm was raised by the farmer a short time later when he managed to escape from the shed, according to Gardai. He suffered minor injuries during the attack.

An ambulance was then called for the farmer who was taken to Tullamore hospital for treatment. His injuries are not life threatening.

It is understood that the intruders made off with a small amount of cash.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Birr Garda Station on: 057-9169710 or the Garda Confidential Line on: 1800-666-111.