180 sticks of gelignite disposed of in 'very large explosions' in West Cork

Former RTÉ reporter Fergal Keane took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to thank members of the Defence Forces who came to his aid after he discovered explosives on his property.

Mr Keane posted on the social media site after making the discovery of dozens of sticks of gelignite while renovating an old shed at his home in Baltimore.

It is believed that the explosives are from the War of Independence era.

Emergency services were contacted and yesterday the Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) carried out a controlled explosion of in the region of 180 sticks of gelignite, he said. 

The former reporter has shared videos of some of the controlled explosions on social media.

Fire in the hole!!! Controlled explosion 4 disposing of our Gelignite in Baltimore pic.twitter.com/arSAxiUcnO

— Fergal Keane (@fergalrte) October 6, 2023

He also used the platform to thank those who responded.

Turns out there were 180 sticks of Gelignite disposed of in three very large explosions by the ordinance disposal unit of the DF Thanks to them https://t.co/0BFwRlQ0lU pic.twitter.com/cZ5jvbme5Y

— Fergal Keane (@fergalrte) October 5, 2023

“Turns out there were 180 sticks of Gelignite disposed of in three very large explosions by the ordinance disposal unit of the DF Thanks to them,” he said.