9 September 1998

Imagine you're doing a bit of DIY on an old ceiling when suddenly there's a cloud of dust and debris and 50 sticks of dynamite fall on you.

That's exactly what happened to Castlebar publican Paul Heverin at the rear of his town centre premises last Thursday and his reaction when reading the letters "G-E-L-I-G-N-I-T-E was exactly what yours and mine would be-he scarpered out the door as fast as his long legs could carry him.

Actually Paul put it more delicately afterwards when he declared: "I beat a hasty exit".

Streets around the Irish House Bar which Mr. Heverin operates were sealed off for the ensuing three hours (4-7 p.m.) as Gardai awaited the arrival of bomb experts from Custume Barracks, Athlone.

The Irish House too was emptied of customers as lurid and far-fetched stories circulated about the origins of the explosives.

OLD CONSIGNMENT

In turns out that the gelignite- 4 inch long sticks- was part of an ancient consignment perhaps hidden or stored in the attic many decades ago.

It may have been intended for agricultural purposes but Gardai won't speculate on the matter.

"We are awaiting the Army report on the origin of the gelignite", a Garda Inspector explained on Monday.

The building where the dynamite sticks were found is some 130 years old, according to the owner, Paul Heverin who had absolutely no knowledge of their existence.

Paul explained: "I was pulling down an old plaster roof when the sticks fell on me. I didn't realise what it was straight away until I saw the labelling. At least the sticks were dry. I was told that if they were 'sweating' they could have been dangerous. I beat a hasty exit and raised the alarm immediately."

When normal business resumed, customers of the Irish House had plenty to talk about.......and pub owner Paul has had his bellyful since of jokes about explosive cocktails.

Connaught Telegraph - News & Sport - September 1998