LAST UPDATE | 13 Aug

A FARMER WHO drowned as he was filling up barrels of water for his animals in a river in west Cork on Wednesday has been named locally.

The body of Eugene McSweeney (55), from Ballyboy, near Dunmanway, was found in the River Bandon outside Dunmanway on Wednesday evening.

Gardaí and emergency services responded after receiving reports of a person in the water.

Mr McSweeney was pronounced dead at the scene. 

His body was taken to Cork University Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem examination. 

It is understood that Mr McSweeney slipped in to a submerged hole and could not get out.

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and the coroner were notified. A file will be prepared for the Coroner’s Court and an inquest will be held at a later date.

Farmers are increasingly under pressure to secure water supplies for their cattle as the long dry spell continues.

With reporting from Olivia Kelleher