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Crime

22nd Jan 2022

Dead man ‘propped up by two other men in attempt to collect pension at post office’

Kieran Galpin

Post office

The dead man is yet to be named

A dead man, who was propped up by two others, was hoisted into the local post office to collect his pension. Yes, you read that right.

On Staplestown Road in Carlow town, staff at the post office immediately became suspicious when a dead man came to collect his pension. No money was handed over, of course, and it is believed that the deceased man was known to the men who moved his body.

A local woman spoke to Independent Ireland about how her daughter witnessed the bizarre moment.

“She was leaving my house at the time and said the man looked unwell as his feet were dragging the ground,” said the unnamed woman, who added there was a queue outside the post office at the time.

Post office

She continued: “It’s a small shop and you’re only allowed three at a time with social distancing. People were in shock as they thought he was after having a heart attack.

“I feel awful for the staff. They’ve suffered so many robberies over the years, they’re worn out. I’ve a 12 year old daughter and I’m trying to explain to her what happened and sure where do you start. It’s awful.”

Neighbours of the deceased are said to be in “total shock”, with one woman saying: “He was a lovely man, a lovely neighbour and we’re all very upset.”

Another commented: “We don’t want to speculate about what happened but all I can say is it’s a sad night and a shock to the system.”

A spokesperson for the Gardaí said: “Gardaí are investigating all the circumstances surrounding the unexplained death of an elderly male in the Carlow area this morning, Friday 21st January 2022.

“The services of the Garda Technical Bureau and the Office of the State Pathologist have been requested.

“A post mortem will be conducted by the Office of the State Pathologist, the results of which will determine the course of the investigation.”

“I heard there was a commotion in the post office,” said the Mayor of Carlow, Fianna Fáil Councillor Ken Murnane.

“I go by there all the time and it’s a very busy post office – normally there’d be a queue out the door there.

“I was absolutely shocked to hear about what happened.

“I cannot believe anyone would do something like that. It beggars belief, I’m just shocked.”

Similarly, Local Fine Gael councillor Fergal Byrne said the “the whole town is in shock.”

He added: “The man who passed away was a nice man by all accounts and someone who caused no offence to anyone.

“The staff in the shop are very shook up from it. I’d like to offer my sympathies to the man’s family also. It’s a bizarre and upsetting situation.”

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