Limerick farm accident victim was ‘one of the best at his trade’

THE PARISH of Rockhill / Bruree and the wider County Limerick community are trying to come to terms with the accidental death of popular and skilled roofing contractor Pat Cotter.

Mr Cotter, who is from a large family in Rockhill, was working on a farm shed in Bruree on Tuesday afternoon when he was involved in a tragic incident. It is understood Mr Cotter, aged in his late 50s, died from injuries sustained after falling some 30 feet.

His body was removed to University Hospital Limerick where a post-mortem will take place. The Health and Safety Authority is investigating the fatal workplace accident.

Fr Tim O’Connor, assistant priest in Rockhill / Bruree, said there is a lot of sadness and shock locally. 

"It is a terrible thing to happen and especially this time of year. The Cotters would be a very well-known and highly-respected family. I would like to express my condolences to the Cotter family on behalf of the parish," said Fr O’Connor.

Limerick ICMSA chairman John Bateman said that it sadly highlights how dangerous farming and construction work is. 

"It is frightening really - one minute you're working away and next thing it's a tragedy. Even when you do everything right, things can go wrong.

"He is at it all his life - an ultimate professional. People like Pat walk on roofs like we walk on the road - it is second nature to them,” said Mr Bateman, who on behalf of ICMSA and the farming community passed on his sympathies.

Echoing Mr Bateman’s sentiments, Cllr Mike Donegan said Mr Cotter "was one of the very best at his trade".

"It was terrible news for everybody to get on Tuesday. There is a deep sense of shock and sadness at what happened and in the run up to Christmas," said Cllr Donegan.

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Deputy Richard O'Donoghue told Live 95FM that Mr Cotter was extremely talented. 

"Pat was an unbelievable craftsman, he could design and build farm sheds, unbelievable skill," said Deputy O’Donoghue. Both politicians expressed their deepest condolences to the Cotter family.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.