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A farmer’s wife has been trampled to death by cattle - after they were 'spooked by cats'.

The woman has been named as Lucy Connor from Tuam, Co Roscommon in Ireland, the Irish Mirror reports.

Ms Connor, a mother-of-five, had gone to a field accompanied by the friend late on Wednesday afternoon and they were reportedly followed by a couple of cats.

A number of cattle in the field apparently became spooked by the felines and charged towards the women.

Ms Connor passed away from her injuries while the younger woman was rushed to hospital with serious injuries where she received emergency medical attention. Ms Connor is survived by her husband Pat and four sons.

Local senator Terry Leyden described the death as 'a terrible tragedy'.

“This accident has shocked everybody in the area. It is a terrible time for her family.

“She was very experienced in faming matters and very well respected locally. She will be a huge loss to her family, neighbours and friends”, Senator Leyden said.

Police and the Health and Safety Authority have both launched investigations into the incident.

A spokesperson for the HAS said that it had received an initial report of the fatality and a full investigation was under way.

The death of the woman is the 22nd farm death this year.