The main Clones to Cavan Road and the Wattlebridge Road was closed for majority of the day on Sunday, causing major disruption for motorists particularly Cavan fans travelling to and from the Ulster Final. 

On Sunday afternoon, police received a report that a suspicious object had been found at a bus stop at a junction on the Wattlebridge Road.

Motorists were advised to seek alternative routes and diversions were put in place until Sunday evening. ATO examined the suspicious object and police later declared the security alert as a hoax and both roads were reopened. 

Local Councillor Thomas O’Reilly said it is ‘despicable’ that this happened in the area. 

“It is absolutely disgraceful that there is people who are still intent on causing that level of disruption and expense to deal with a hoax. The football was on in Clones and it caused a lot of disruption for people travelling to the match. It is despicable. 

“The amount of people and emergency services who were tied up in this incident for a full day, and who were inconvenienced for nothing. 

“Both of the roads are busy, and people were left with a major long detour to get around to go to Cavan.”

A police spokesman said, “The security alert at Wattlebridge Road in Newtownbutler is over. ATO examined a suspicious object and declared it an elaborate hoax. The safety of the community is of paramount importance and anyone with any information in relation to this incident should contact police on 101.”