COMMUNITY LEFT IN SHOCK
Pinned to ground as loyal dog stayed
THIS tragic farmer lay dead on her own land for more than 24 hours — after she was pinned by a falling tree branch, it has emerged.
The Star has also learned that investigators believe one of Mary O’Shea’s dogs refused to leave her side — until passers-by found her body.
“The dog stayed by her side the whole time,” a source said last night.
We have also learned that the body of Ms O’Shea — who was also a wellknown local historian — was pinned to the ground by the heavy branch that fell from a tree when she was cutting it.
Her body was found at her home near Piltown, Co Kilkenny on Saturday evening — but sources say she was last seen early on Friday and she is believed to have died later that day.
One of her pet dogs was discovered beside her body and it’s believed to have stayed with her the whole time.
The body of Mrs O’Shea, who was in her 60s, was found at her farm by hunters on Saturday afternoon, sources confirmed.
It’s understood Ms O’Shea, who lived in Raheen close to the village, was cutting a tree at her farm on Friday afternoon when a branch fell and killed her.
Ms O’Shea was well-known in the area, locals said.
She was an only child and was unmarried and was pre-deceased by both her parents, locals said.
Gardai confirmed that they were investigating the death of a woman whose body was found in Piltown on Saturday.
Although the force did not name the victim, several local sources confirmed her identity as Mary O’Shea.
Historian
As well as being a farmer, she was also a noted writer and member of the South Kilkenny Historical Society.
A Garda spokesman said: “Gardaí were requested for assistance by ambulance services yesterday, Saturday 19th November 2022, following reports of an incident in the Piltown area, Co. Kilkenny.
“A woman in her 60s received fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Her body has been removed to the Mortuary at University Hospital Waterford. A file will be prepared for the Coroner.”
Sources said foul play had been ruled out and her death was a tragic accident.