A MAN in his seventies, who was a popular member of a local farmers’ group, has died in tragic circumstances on his farm near Dromore.
Harold Gilmore, whose farm is on the Fintona Road, passed away on Saturday evening. It is understood Mr Gilmore died following an incident while working with livestock.
The deceased was well known throughout the farming fraternity and beyond.
Mr Gilmore was a member of the Ederney Plough On group – a Rural Support project aimed at tackling rural isolation and increasing social opportunities for older male farmers.
“It is with great sadness we learned of the passing of a member of our Plough On group at the weekend. Harold Gilmore, from Fintona Road, Dromore, tragically died on his farm on Saturday,” the group posted on Facebook.
“Harold joined our Plough On group at the beginning of the year along with his brother George and had thoroughly enjoyed the trips and meetings each month.
“Our sincere condolences to George and the Gilmore family – the thoughts and prayers of everyone at Plough On are with you at this time of sorrow.”
Former councillor Bert Wilson said the local community had been left reeling by news of Mr Gilmore’s tragic passing.
“It’s an awful tragedy,” he said.
“It’s really sad for the entire family connection. Harold has farmed for a lifetime, and, while he was in his mid-seventies, he was in good health.
“This incident reminds us all of the many dangers of farming.”
In a statement, the PSNI said: “Police attended a report of a sudden death at the Fintona Road area of Dromore on Saturday, July 20. Enquiries are continuing but at this stage, the death is not being treated as suspicious.”
The Health and Safety Executive are aware of the incident and are currently making enquiries.
A Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Mr Gilmore is being held in Dromore Presbyterian Church today at 2:00pm followed by committal in the adjoining graveyard.
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