Lightning strike in County Cavan kills 10 cattle

Ten young cattle have been killed in a lightning strike in the Republic of Ireland.

The one-year-old heifers died on a farm at Butlersbridge in County Cavan.

BBC News NI understands the animals were struck while sheltering under a tree during rain and lightning strikes in the region on Friday evening.

Local Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith described it as a "rare and freak incident".

He said: "I was shocked to hear of the loss of 10 cattle and it must have been a terrible shock for the famer to come along and see that."

Mr Smith said that his thoughts were with the farmer concerned.

"Naturally it's a big financial loss, but on a family farm where they work seven days a week, it's an emotional one too," he added.

"When there are storms and bad weather farmers are always out there tending to their cattle.

"I was brought up on a farm and served as Minister for Agriculture and I know farmers take great pride in rearing their cattle and tending to them across Ireland."