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 Mirror 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.
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We have also learned that the body of Ms O’Shea – who was also a well-known local historian in her 60s – 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.
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 to the Mirror 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.
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.
Local Fine Gael councillor Pat Dunphy said everyone in the area was shocked by her death.
He said: “I would like to pass on my sympathy and those of the people of Piltown to her relations..
“She was a very popular woman.
“She worked on her farm and also had a strong knowledge of local history.
“It was very sad.”
And parish priest Fr Paschal Moore last night paid his own moving tribute to her.
He said: “She lived alone but she was very much involved in community life.
“She was a local historian and wrote a book on the area a few years ago.
“She was a wonderful person and was a great help in the parish when tourists came looking for their family roots.
“She was always willing to help.
“And she was a very good friend. She will be missed in the community.
“Everybody is sad this morning.”
And Eddie Synnott, of the South Kilkenny Historical Society where Ms O’Shea was the joint treasurer, also paid tribute to her last night.
Mr Synnott said: “She was a very good historian and was able to express her knowledge.
“She was also an intellectual and a wonderful woman.”
Piltown GAA also paid tribute to her last night.
A spokeswoman said: "We're all shocked and saddened at Mary's sad passing.
"She was a wonderful local historian who will be sadly missed by all who knew her."
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