LAST UPDATE | 3 Dec 2025

AN INVESTIGATION IS underway after a man in his 20s died following a suspected hunting accident in Co Carlow.

The incident happened in a field around a kilometre south of Leighlinbridge late yesterday evening.

It is understood that the man was hunting foxes with a friend when the incident occurred as darkness fell. The man’s body remains at the scene, which has been preserved, pending an examination that will be carried out by the Garda National Technical Bureau.

The deceased has been named locally as Paul Fitzpatrick (21), who is believed to be local to the area. It is understood that foul play is not suspected, but gardaí have said that their investigation remains at an early stage.

Speaking about the incident, Fine Gael councillor Michael Doran said the local community has been left stunned following the incident.

“We woke up this morning to have heard of the tragic news of an accident involving people out hunting last night, and the village here is shocked and saddened at the news that a young man has lost his life,” he said.

“From what I understand, the people involved live locally and are well liked and well known in the area, well respected’’.

In a statement, gardaí confirmed that a man had been fatally injured during an incident.

“Gardaí were called to a firearms incident at a rural location near Leighlinbridge, Co Carlow, late yesterday evening, Tuesday.

“A male aged in his early 20s sustained fatal injuries. The scene is currently held for technical examination. Enquiries are ongoing and no further information is available at this time.”