Lawless ‘island’ could get a whole lot WORSE after Brexit

THE road running through the Drummully Polyp in Co. Monaghan – or Coleman’s Island or the Connons as it is better known – cannot be reached without crossing into Northern Ireland.

The strange, irregular path of the border stems from a land dispute between two families, and it was deemed easier to leave it as it was. The ‘island’ was a major headache during the Troubles, and resulted in the 3.5km stretch of road being almost impossible to patrol. Soldiers once had to be flown in by helicopter in an effort to police it.

The intricate border is still used today by criminals with local knowledge hoping to get around the law.

In one robbery, criminals who used diggers to take cash machines from two Cavan banks immediately made for the ‘island’ knowing the authorities on either side of the border could not get to them. Gardaí policing the border are very conscious of the potential problems this small piece of land could pose after Brexit.

REDHILLS GARDA STATION

Redhills Station, Co. Cavan was closed in November 2013. Even though it has been shut for over five years, locals maintain the station and erected a plaque outside detailing when it closed

CORRINSHIGAGH GARDA STATION

Corrinshigagh Garda station, Co. Monaghan was closed in 2013. It sits a stone’s throw from the border and is five kilometres from Crossmaglen

SMITHBORO STATION

Smithboro Garda station in Co. Monaghan closed in 2012 and it has been boarded up ever since

EMYVALE GARDA STATION

Emyvale Garda station, Co. Monaghan is a one-officer station. Emyvale, and neighbouring Scotstown, were once busy stations and the gardaí attached were solely responsible for policing the border. The two to three gardaí attached to the stations are now regularly called to assist in Monaghan