A young man has been killed in a suspected hunting accident in Co Carlow.
The male who was aged in his early 20s, was hunting with a small group near Leighlinbridge, Co Carlow, late on Tuesday evening when the incident occurred.
It is understood the man was hunting foxes with others in a rural area in dark conditions when the incident occurred. He died at the scene.
Gardaí were alerted and the scene has been preserved for technical examination.
RM Block
A spokesman confirmed they responded to a “firearms incident” and that a young man died.
A firearm was seized. Sources say a preliminary assessment indicated the incident was a tragic accident rather than a criminal investigation.
However, gardaí stressed the investigation is at an early stage.
[ Uniformed gardaí could be armed with Taser stun guns by ChristmasOpens in new window ]
Sinn Féin councillor Andy Gladney said that he knows the family well.
“There are no words that can console the family at this time or anytime of the year. My sincere condolences to his entire family,” he said.
Fine Gael councillor Michael Doran said the entire community is “completely shocked” by what happened calling it “tragic”.
“My thoughts are with the man’s family who are well known and pay would my condolences to his relatives and friends.”
