Killaloe farmer feels ‘under siege’

A Killaloe farmer believes he is “under siege”, having sustained losses from vandalism totalling an estimated €25,000 over a four-year period.

Michael Scanlan, Garraunboy, has decided to speak publicly about his ordeal, in the hope that the on-off cycle of malicious damage to his farm will finally cease.

In addition to at least 15 serious incidents of what Mr Scanlan has described as criminal damage, at least 100 punctures had to be repaired and four tyres replaced on cars and his jeep. The first act of vandalism occurred in January 2010 and the most recent on June 19; tractor tyres being slashed in both cases.

When Padraig Nally was cleared of manslaughter in 2006, after shooting dead Traveller John ‘Frog’ Ward, there were changes in the law, which allow people to take more direct action when defending themselves or their property.

Mr Scanlan stressed he has no plans to take the law into his own hands and just wants to be allowed to continue his farming activity in peace, without living in fear over the next attack on his property.

“I consider myself to be a law-abiding citizen. I have never interfered with anyone in my life. This vandalism is causing huge stress for me and my family. I just want it to stop at this stage. It has gone on far too long,” the 53-year-old said.

By Dan Danaher