Farmer violently beaten to death in what the gardaí believe was land dispute

John Cashman, who was in his 70s, died after suffering a "vicious attack" at his farm in Cappagh, around six kilometers from Dungarvan, in Co. Waterford.

A man known to Mr Cashman was arrested following the incident, which happened on Monday at around 6pm, gardaí [Irish police] said. In a statement last night, An Garda Síochána said the arrested man had been charged and is due before Carrick-on-Suir District Court this morning.

Security sources explained how Mr Cashman, who was a father of four, had received serious injuries following the attack near his 150-acre farm. While a post-mortem investigation had not concluded by time of going to press, the Irish Daily Mail understands he suffered "vicious" injuries.

A source told the Mail: "Gardaí and emergency services were called to the property around 6pm. The injuries were severe and the man looked as if he had suffered a very violent death. Detectives investigating this crime have been taking statements from the family and all those present at the time.

"They are looking at a definite line of investigation. That is that there was a row between Mr Cashman and the arrested man over land. This is what they believe sparked the death."

Local councillors have spoken of the complete shock at the death of the well-known farmer. Mr Cashman ran unsuccessfully in the 2004 local elections, where he stood as an Independent.

Niamh O’Donovan, Cathaoirleach of the Dungarvan/Lismore District Council, told WLRFM: "My thoughts are with the loved ones, the family, the friends and just the neighbors and the entire community.

"There’s two neighboring communities that were in absolute shock last night when the news broke and now the reality of waking up to it this morning. I would urge people to reach out to each other, check in, and we will absolutely be supporting the loved ones and those affected as much as we can."

Waterford Sinn Féin TD Conor McGuinness said the news was "unimaginable", saying: "This is devastating news for the Cappagh community and for the wider area. People have woken this morning to a profound sense of shock and sadness at what has happened.

"My thoughts and condolences are with the family of the man who lost his life. Their grief at this time is unimaginable. This is a close-knit rural community. News like this travels quickly and impacts deeply. There will be a real sense of hurt and disbelief locally today.

"I would ask that the privacy of all those affected is respected in the hours and days ahead. This is not a time for speculation. It is important that An Garda Síochána are given the space and time they need to carry out a full and thorough investigation into what has occurred."

Fine Gael councillor Damien Geoghegan paid tribute to Mr Cashman, saying he was well regarded in Dungarvan and across the wider agricultural community in the southeast due to his long-standing involvement in co-ops.

He said Mr Cashman had been a "good, solid farmer" who was hard-working and industrious, adding he had been widely known for his views and representations during the mergers between Avonmore and Waterford, and the company’s later evolution into Glanbia and Tirlán.

He said the local community was shocked and saddened, and thoughts were with his family at this difficult time. Gardaí said: "An Garda Síochána are investigating all of the circumstances of a fatal assault in the townland of Cappagh, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, on the evening of Monday, April 13. Shortly after 6pm, gardaí and emergency services responded to an incident outside a residential property in Cappagh, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford.

"A male in his 70s was discovered with serious injuries and was subsequently pronounced deceased at the scene. The remains of the deceased have been removed from the scene to the mortuary in University Hospital Waterford, where a postmortem will take place in due course."

* This article was originally published on Extra.ie.