Man (21) who died in accidental shooting in Co Carlow named locally

Sarah Slater

A 21-year-old man has died in what is understood to be an accidental shooting in Co Carlow.

The incident occurred close to the village of Leighlinbridge at around 11 pm on Tuesday.

The man has been named locally as Paul Fitzpatrick.

The local man, who was accompanied by several friends, is believed to have been fox hunting when the incident took place.

Emergency services and gardai were called to the scene, and it is understood the man died a short time later.

His body has been taken to University Hospital Waterford, where a post-mortem examination will be carried out.

Gardai have cordoned off the area to allow for a forensic and technical examination.

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 offer my condolences to his relatives and friends.”

Sinn Féin councillor Andy Gladney said: “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.”

In a statement, gardaí confirmed that a man had been fatally injured during an incident.

"Gardaí were called to a firearms incident at a rural location near Leighlinbridge, Co Carlow, late yesterday evening, Tuesday.

“A male aged in his early 20s sustained fatal injuries. The scene is currently held for technical examination. Enquiries are ongoing and no further information is available at this time.”