Community 'very concerned' for Kerry man seriously injured in lawn mower accident

Brosna man Gerard Curtain, who is aged in his 50s, was rushed to Cork University Hospital with head injuries when he was thrown from a lawnmower on his land at the end of April.

It is understood that the machinery’s rear axle broke while he was driving it back to a storage shed, launching him onto the path.

A wave of deep shock has rattled the community in Brosna and surrounding areas since the father-of-three was admitted to CUH almost two weeks ago.

Jimmy Moloney, Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, said that locals continue to keep him in their thoughts.

“He’s in a serious condition. We obviously wish him well,” he told sundayworld.com.

“It was a tragic accident, a hard accident and now he’s in a serious condition.

“His friends and co-workers are very concerned. They were shocked by the whole thing when it happened and of course they’re thinking of him as well.”

Last week, hundreds attended a special mass in Brosna for Gerard.

Parish Priest Fr Martin Spillane said the community is deeply worried but hopeful for Mr Curtin, who farms in Brosna and acts as head technician at Listowel’s waste-water treatment centre.

“He is a very special member of our community, deeply involved in everything here and we’re all very worried but very hopeful at the same time.

“Gerard is a very hard worker with an immaculate farm always.

“We are all praying for him and his family, including his wife Máiréad and three children,” Fr Spillane told The Kerryman.

Meanwhile, investigating gardaí continue to look into the circumstances surrounding Mr Curtain’s accident.

A garda spokesperson said: “Gardaí are investigating an incident that occurred at Knockane, Brosna, Co. Kerry at approximately 1 pm on Friday, 29th April 2022.

“A man in his 50s was injured during the course of the incident and was taken to Cork University Hospital for treatment.

“Investigations are ongoing.”