Digging up the past!

A resident of Assumption Road made an alarming discovery while digging his garden this week.

According to Athlone Gardaí, the man unearthed a grenade in his garden at around 6.50pm on Monday evening (June 10). He got in touch with local Gardaí, who in turn contacted the Athlone EOD (Explosive Ordnance Device) unit to safely dispose of the device.

“The EOD unit came and removed the grenade to bring it for destruction at Carna, Kiltoom,” explained Sergeant Andrew Haran of Athlone Garda Station.

While it is not known exactly how old the grenade was, Sgt Haran said it is possible that it dates back to the War of Independence.