Reward for return of prized village water pump
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Dromone local residents at the spot where the water pump was stolen... Brian McGabhan, Jean McClair, Rosaleen Lang, Bridget Roe, Jim O’Reilly, Cathy Guirke and (front), Cormac Guirke and Kate McClair.PHOTO: SEAMUS FARRELLYImage 2 of 2
RIGHT: The pump at Dromone has been lovingly restored and cared for by local residents. PADDY TRAYNORThe theft of an historic water pump from Dromone, Oldcastle has angered local residents.
Kells Gardaí are investigating the theft of the pump, which is believed to be up to 150 years old. It was stolen from Knocklough Cross outside Dromone last Wednesday.
The working pump was maintained by the Dromone Development Association, who had restored the wall around it and painted it.
Local Sinn Féin TD Johnny Guirke has called on thieves to safely return the water pump.
“People woke up to find it was missing, and it has left the locals angered and disgusted that this could happen on our doorstep,” he said.
“This is not an isolated incident as just a few weeks ago, another pump was stolen from Ballycomoyle, County Westmeath. We need to raise awareness for other towns and villages, so these thefts don’t reoccur.
“Gardaí have said that a number of these pumps that have been stolen had been screwed to the ground, and that a deterrent is to cement the pumps to the ground to stop future thefts, and this is about making other villages and towns aware.”
Local priest Fr Ray Kelly is appealing to the thieves to leave the pump somewhere so that the village can have it brought back in good condition.
Gardaí have appealed to anyone who was in the area at the time of the theft and saw any suspicious activity or can help to get the item back.
“There is a substantial reward for the safe return of this pump, which was collected by the local people here in Drumone, and I would appeal to anyone with information, to please pass on to the Garda at Kells Garda station on 046 9240 999,” concluded Deputy Guirke.