GARDAÍ WERE last night treating as suspicious the death of a farmer in his 60s who claimed he was the victim of an assault before dying of a suspected heart attack in Cork University Hospital.
John Twomey, Aghabullogue, Coachford, Co Cork, reportedly contacted gardaí yesterday and said he and his brother Patrick had been the victims of an assault.
They said the alleged incident occurred at 4pm yesterday.
The men, who reportedly had minor injuries, were taken to hospital by ambulance as a precautionary measure at 6.30pm yesterday.
John Twomey died on arrival at Cork University Hospital of a suspected heart attack.
His brother Patrick Twomey was said to be in a stable condition in the Cork city hospital.
The two brothers had lived in the tiny village of Aghabullogue all their lives and are said to be respected and valued members of the community.
Insp Tony Sugrue, who is leading the Garda investigation into the death of the farmer, said all he could confirm at this juncture was that the death was being treated as suspicious.
"All I can say is that we are just investigating a suspicious death and that the services of the State Pathologist have been requested."
The results of a postmortem, which is due to be carried out today, will direct the course of the Garda investigation.
Fianna Fáil councillor in nearby Macroom, Aindrias Moynihan, said the small rural community in Aghabullogue would be deeply saddened by the death.
"This is a place with a shop, a pub and a school. It is a very small community.
"Any sort of sudden death is frightening and I am sure people will be very upset about this.
"This is a small close-knit community between Aghabullogue and Rylane and everyone would know each other.
"I was speaking to [ people] in the town there and there is a real sense of shock in their voices. People are in a total state of shock.
"They don't know what to make of it.
"It will have a big impact on the place."
Prayers are expected to be offered at St John's Church in Coachford this morning in memory of Mr Twomey.
Aghabullogue has a population of just 400 people and is noted for its enthusiasm for hurling and Gaelic football.