Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to a violent post office raid that occurred in Gowran on Tuesday morning last.
Postmaster Toddy Farrell had opened up the post office just after 9am when he and a staff member were approached by three masked men — one wielding a pickaxe and another a timber plank.
The intruders smashed the security glass and demanded cash. Following a struggle with the postmaster the raiders got away with a sum of money, leaving Mr Farrell with superficial injuries.
Mr Farrell subsequently tried to prevent the trio from leaving but they managed their escape in a silver saloon-style car that was waiting outside.
The car headed in the direction of Goresbridge and Burris and was later discovered burnt out at the Fenagh Carlow Road close the to the Fighting Cocks pub and the new GAA grounds.
It is thought the raiders may have been met here by others and transported elsewhere.
Gardaí from Thomastown were quickly at the scene of the post office following the incident and they are appealing for anyone who may have seen anyone or anything suspicious around the area prior to or following the event.
“We believe that the men were also picked up on the Fenagh Road at a layby and if anyone saw anything suspicious at this point, they should contact us at Thomastown Gardaí or on our confidential line 1800 666111,” said Sgt Ted Hughes.
The post office staff were very shaken after the incident, however the facility reopened on Wednesday for business.
