Former sheep shearing champion named as woman (64) killed in Kerry faming accident
'There is huge shock in the area at the passing Breda. She was very well-known in this area and beyond.'
Tributes are being paid to a multiple All-Ireland sheep shearing champion who was killed in a farming accident in County Kerry on Tuesday.
She has been named locally as Breda Lynch (64) from Bonane, Kenmare, Co. Kerry lost her life following a fatal farm accident in Kerry. The fatal work-place accident occurred in Bonane, yesterday evening, June 17 at 5pm.
Ms Lynch was an All-Ireland sheep shearing champion on several occasions. Speaking at an event in 2019 about her career she said she wasn't sure how many All-Irelands she had won. She said: 'I definitely have 12 but it could be 14.'
Breda Lynch
News in 90 Seconds - June 19th
She added: 'I didn't get a trophy every year I won so I don't actually know how many I have won.'
She added: 'I won the All-Ireland Ladies Championship on Sunday with the electric shears, and I had only gone up as a spectator. I've been ill for a few years, and at one point I thought I'd never compete again. It was a spur of the moment thing. I also got a certificate for 'Outstanding Service to the Sheep-Shearing Industry'.
Paying tribute local Councillor Dan McCarthy said: 'There is huge shock in the area at the passing Breda. She was very well-known in this area and beyond.'
A spokesperson for An Garda Siochána confirmed they attended the accident and the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
"Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of a work-related incident that occurred in Bonane, Kenmare, Co. Kerry on Tuesday June 17, 2025 at approximately 5pm.'
Gardaí said an examination of the scene was conducted. The Coroner for Kerry has been notified and a file will be prepared for the Coroner's Court.
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) was notified and are investigating the matter. The HSA have also confirmed an investigation is underway. No funeral arrangements have been made as yet.
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