A County Leitrim farmer died accidentally after becoming trapped beneath a bale, an inquest has heard. Proceedings at Carrick-on-Shannon Coroner's Court today examined the circumstances surrounding the death of Fergus Geelan in February 2025. Fergus Geelan, of Drumard, Mohill, Co. Leitrim, died on the evening of February 4th, 2025. The court heard, after breakfast, Fergus carried out his usual routine of checking on the farm and would typically return around lunchtime for a cup of tea before returning to the farm.
At around 3pm, two of Mr Geelan's family members went grocery shopping in Carrick-on-Shannon. Afterwards, they decided to bring Fergus home a takeaway meal. They tried calling him, but there was no answer. When they returned home, they found his mobile phone on the kitchen table. After placing his dinner in the oven to keep warm, a family member began searching for Fergus. They checked around the sheds and yard but could not find him. They then noticed the tractor was missing. They drove to a nearby area known to the family as "McHugh's", where bales were stored.
In a testimony, a family member said they saw a bale attached to the rear of a stationary tractor. As the family member got closer, they discovered Fergus trapped beneath it. They immediately called the emergency services.
Garda David Finnegan, who attended the scene, told the court that the fire service and a first responder had also arrived. Despite their efforts, Mr Geelan was pronounced dead at 8.29pm.
Returning a verdict of accidental death, Coroner Fergal Kelly extended his sympathies to the Geelan family.
