The management of Loughrea Co-op Mart LTD, Co Galway has announced the cancellation of tomorrow’s sheep sale, following an incident on the premises over the weekend.
Michael (Mike Mc Loughlin), a cattle dealer, passed away following the incident which allegedly involved an animal, which “jumped out of the mart and into the crowd” and occurred shortly after 4 pm on Saturday during the mart’s show and sale.
He was taken by ambulance to UHG where he was later pronounced deceased.
In a statement on Wednesday, September 27th, 2023, a spokesperson for the mart, said:
“Please note that tomorrow’s sheep sale is cancelled as a mark of respect to the McLoughlin family.”
Previously the mart released another statement, extending its “deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the late Michael McLoughlin, who was involved in a tragic accident at the mart at last Saturday’s cattle show and sale”.
“Mr Mc Loughlin was a regular customer to the mart at the weekly cattle sales and was well-known in the mart community.”
“Our thoughts are with the McLoughlin family and all who were involved and present at the mart on Saturday when the accident occurred.”
Funeral arrangements and tributes
According to Michael’s death notice, which has been published on RIP.ie, he will repose at his brother John’s home today (Wednesday, September 27th) from 3pm to 7pm.
Removal on Thursday morning (September 28th) to arrive at St Brigid’s Church, Curraghboy for Mass of the Resurrection at 11 am, with burial afterwards in Cam Cemetery.
Paying tribute to Mike on R.I.P.ie, one said that “he will be missed at the fairs and the marts all over Ireland”.
“He loved animals and the land,” while another wrote that “he was a great asset to the farming community”.
Others described him as a “true character and an extremely friendly person”, while another said, “he will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all his friends”.
Another said that “marts will not be the same without him” and another added that “Mike brightened everyone’s day when he arrived at the mart with his funny anecdotes”.
“He was always a gentleman, polite and courteous. His passing is a great loss to the marts and to the farming community.”
