Some 103 sheep were stolen from the Knockmealdown Mountains near Clogheen on the Tipperary, Cork and Waterford borders.

The sheep, made up of ewes and lambs, were in a very remote part of the mountains beyond some forestry. The sheep were stolen sometime between Wednesday 31 August and Sunday 4 September.

The sheep were stolen from the farm of brothers Tom and John Barry. Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal, Tom said this is not the first time the brothers have been targeted by thieves.

“I suppose over the past four or five years we would have 40 or 50 sheep stolen. When it’s small numbers at a time you can never be too sure but this was such a large amount to be taken,” Tom said.

“They (the thieves) would have to have gone up a very narrow forestry road to get at them... it really is very remote up there. They could only have used a jeep and trailers. It was obviously planned. We’re offering a reward of €2,000 to get the sheep back. It’s very disheartening when this happens to you,” Tom said.

’Intensive and excellent farmers’

Chair of Cork marts and Clogheen native PJ English has urged people to come forward if they have information.

“Tom and John are intensive and excellent hill sheep farmers. This is their livelihood we’re talking about here. Somebody has to have seen something suspicious that night and we really need them to come forward with information to the gardaí,” English said.

Gardaí in Cahir are investigating the theft and have urged anyone with information to come forward. The station can be contacted on 052-744 5630.

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