VIDEO: Revoking of gun licence behind 7-hour armed siege by 89-year-old farmer

A near seven-hour armed siege ended peacefully last night when an 89-year-old man walked out of his home after a shot was fired as gardaí went there to revoke his firearms licence.

According to Garda sources, at least one shot was “discharged” from the Co Cork home of Tom O’Callaghan shortly before lunchtime yesterday.

Gardaí retreated following the shooting at a farmhouse at Lower Bellmount, Crookstown. The elderly farmer then barricaded himself inside.

Gardaí surrounded Mr O’Callaghan’s home, bringing in two armed Regional Support Units, experienced negotiators, ambulances, and an inter-agency mobile control centre.

Not to panic locals, gardaí told them roads around the farm had been sealed off due to a traffic accident and the Garda Press Office asked for a media blackout as attempts were made to bring about a peaceful resolution.

Initially, some locals jokingly wondered if it had anything to do with Irish Water contractors, but when they found out what had actually happened they were stunned. “We’re shocked, he’s not a drinker and never did harm to anybody. This is totally out of character,” said one man.

Shortly before 7pm, Mr O’Callaghan walked out of the house and was confronted by armed gardaí who temporarily detained him.

A Garda spokesman said he was not arrested and they subsequently seized two legally held firearms.

The spokesman added that no one had been injured during the siege, but investigations were continuing. The elderly man was also assessed by a local doctor.