Army called in to examine historic device found in Meath

Louise Walsh

The Army Bomb Disposal Team carried out a controlled explosion in Meath on Sunday after a hand grenade was found in a garden.

The device, possibly dating back to the Civil War was uncovered by Barry McEntee while he was digging outside his house at Ardsallagh Lane, near Navan at 12.30pm.

"I was out digging in the garden when something rolled across the ground, which caught my eye," he said

"It looked like a hand grenade and I sent a picture to a family member in the Defence Forces who confirmed it.

"I called gardai who contacted the army and cordoned off the area.  

"The army said it looked like it dated back to the Civil War.  They said it was still possibly viable and carried out a controlled explosion out the back.

According to gardai: "Gardai received reports of a suspicious device being discovered in a garden area

"The device appeared to be historic.  The scene was cordoned off and the Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was called.

"A controlled explosion was carried out and the device has been take for examination by the army.

"No injuries were sustained and investigations are ongoing.