An 84-year-old farmer has died in Co. Galway after he was involved in a farm accident while he was moving cattle.

A Garda spokesperson confirmed to Agriland that the man was pronounced dead at the scene today, December 22, and removed to University Hospital Galway.

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and the Gardai are investigating the accident which happened in Athenry. This is the third farm death to occur on an Irish farm this month.

Yesterday, the news broke that a 59-year-old man died following a farm accident near Schull, Co. Cork over the weekend.

The man suffered fatal injuries after falling from a 10 foot height whilst working on his own. It is understood that the victim fell through a roof.

It is also understood that the victim died at the scene on Friday as a result of the injuries sustained and local emergency were called to the accident on Saturday.

Earlier this month, a man in his 70s died following a farm accident in Co. Tipperary after he was crushed under the vehicle he was working under.

The incident happened in Cullen, Co. Tipperary and the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Today’s farm death brings the number of fatalities on Irish farms this year to 21. In November, three people died on Irish farms.

HSA figures show that farming continues to be the most hazardous occupation in Ireland, consistently reporting the highest number of fatalities in comparison to other sectors over the last number of years.