While retiring school principal, Eamonn Horgan, was the focus of much goodwill on Friday night last as townspeople in Doneraile  turned out in huge numbers to celebrate his long teaching career, two individuals had less honourable intentions.

The two broke into his house while the ‘Beat on the Street’ event in Eamonn’s honour was in progress knowing that he and his family were absent from the house and would be otherwise engaged. Luckily for them, a neighbour noticed suspicious activity and approached the house. He spotted one of the duo getting out of the house through a window. Both individuals then fled the scene.

“Fortunately nothing was taken,” Eamonn told The Avondhu. It’s believed the thieves were disturbed before they had a chance to make off with anything from the house. While the incident was upsetting for Eamonn and his wife Catherine in an otherwise memorable and happy day of celebrations, Eamonn was quick to commend his neighbour for his viligance.