“WE need to defend our own.” That was the view of one farmer after a member of a gang of thieves was shot on his land.
The man was shot by Tom Doran’s neighbour in Gowlin, Borris as he attempted to steal from Mr Doran’s farmyard.
The victim, a member of the travelling community, was spotted with two other men on Mr Doran’s land last Monday (13 February).
Mr Doran wasn’t home at the time but fast-acting neighbours and Mr Doran’s wife Margaret sprang into action and attempted to block the culprits’ escape after calling gardaí.
Trying to make their getaway, the three drove “straight at” Mrs Doran in their white Hiace van before the shot was fired by a neighbouring farmer. One of the would-be thieves is believed to have suffered a “flesh wound” to his shoulder.
“The neighbours saw the van in the yard and came down. We’re prepared to protect our own area,” Mr Doran told The Nationalist.
“They were trying to get away and they drove their van straight at Margaret.
“They drove at them all and my neighbour fired at them. He was defending my farm.”
When gardaí arrived on the scene, it is understood €200 worth of steel belonging to Mr Doran was found in the Hiace.
According to Mr Doran, communities around the county are standing united against the latest wave of burglaries sweeping across Carlow.
“We’re inundated with vans going around here. We’re sick of it. We’ve set up a community alert and we’re prepared to protect our own area. We need to defend our own,” added Mr Doran.
Gardaí confirmed that an incident was under investigation and appealed to anyone with information to contact them at Bagenalstown (059 9721212) or Borris (059 9773102) stations.