BY MARK McKELVEY

The dangers associated with farming and working with animals was again highlighted at the weekend when Loughmacrory farmer Jim Kelly was left fighting for his life after being trampled on by a cow that had recently given birth.

This traumatic incident comes in same week that an inquest revealed Carrickmore farmer, Peter Fox died on May 4 last year as a result of multiple injuries sustained when he was attacked by a cow that had also recently calved.

As Mr Kelly recovers in the Erne Hospital in Enniskillen this week, having sustained a punctured lung, broken ribs and internal injuries to his liver and kidneys, the Loughmacrory community is reminded also of the death of former Omagh District Council Chairman, Mickey McAnespie who died on April 30 last year after being attacked by a bull on his farm.

Almost a year on from her father's death, Mr McAnespie's daughter Cllr Ann Marie Fitzgerald visited Mr Kelly in hospital and said that he was lucky to be alive. The local Sinn Féin representative took this opportunity to urge farmers to always remain vigilant, especially at this time of year during calving season when normally docile animals' temperament can change instantaneously.