Woman tells Confirmation congregation she allegedly had bomb strapped to her

Louise Walsh

Teachers and clerics have been praised for remaining calm after a woman told a congregation at a Confirmation ceremony that she allegedly had a bomb strapped to her.

Hundreds of sixth-class children from four schools around Navan, Co. Meath, as well as their parents and sponsors, packed St Mary's Church when the woman made her way onto the altar and told the crowd she had something to say.

After she said she had a bomb, teachers and a priest calmly escorted her off the altar and outside the church, which lies between the Fairgreen and Trimgate Street in the centre of the town.

The young students were preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation from the Bishop of Meath, Tom Deenihan, when the incident unfolded.

Thankfully, not everyone heard her proclaim she had a bomb, but most people saw the commotion.

One parent said: "The lady came into the church and got up to the microphone. She held her jacket closed and said she had a bomb and wanted to speak.

"The priests and teachers got up there quickly and ushered the lady outside. Honestly, I don't think a lot of people heard exactly what she said because no-one really seemed to be panicking.

"Our own daughter didn't hear what she said thankfully but I did. "

Another parent said he was on the balcony when he heard the woman speak into the intercom.

"She said she wanted to say something, and then she was ushered out. I didn't hear her mention a bomb, but a lot of children near her looked terrified. My own son was there receiving his Confirmation, but only heard about it from friends after the Mass.

"When we went outside, gardai were there, which also unnerved the kids. I have to say, though, the priests and the teachers did amazingly to keep calm and diffuse the situation quickly."

Clergy at St Mary's Church said they would not be commenting on the matter.

Gardaí say they "responded to a report of a public order incident at a premises in Navan, Co. Meath on Saturday 21st March, 2026 at around 1pm.

"A woman, aged in her 40s, who was arrested at the scene has since been charged. She is due to appear in court at a later date. As this matter is now before the courts, there is no further information available."