[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ Old Photos] [ Castlebar.News] [ Castlebar Nostalgia Board ]
Posted by md on September 22, 2003 at 23:00:17:
In Reply to: Re: Town River posted by Butch on September 22, 2003 at 21:22:02:
from connaught telegraph 1996 commemorative issue, originally published April 22 1950
Coffin In Castlebar River
A Coffin observed floating down the castlebr river last weekend created something of a sensation in the town, and conjectures were many and varied as to whence it came, what remains, if any, it contained. The casket was observed by the residents of Ballynew, who reported the matter to the Guards, and there was much local speculation until the matter was investigated.
On Tuesday morning. equipped with grappling tools and dressed in semi-diving outfits, Sergt Egan and Garda Walsh, Castlebar, carried out a search along the banks of the riverand eventually recovered the coffin lodged in the centre of the river adjoining the old mill at Ballynew, and beside the local cemetery.
After considerable difficulty the coffin was retrieved from the water, and it was found to be empty and minus a lid. Faced with problem of trying to establish if the casket had beentenented and, if so, what had become of the occupant, the Gardai commenced intense enquiries and investigations. Up to the time of going to press the ownership of the coffin has not been established, nor is it known if at any time, it contained any remains.
It is believed, however, that the coffin was left in a vacated undertakers yard in castlebar, and it was taken to the river by children who used it as a punt
The Garda discovered the lid of the coffin at the rear of the premises in Bridge Street. It is understood that it has since been removed from Balynew to the Castlebar Garda Station, and the Guards are not pursueing inquiries.
It was not disclosed if the coffin would be disposed of or held as a souvenier by the finders
Follow Ups:
Post a Followup
[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ Castlebar Nostalgia Board ]
|