Local gardai are appealing for witnesses to a violent outburst on Castleisland’s Main Street on Saturday afternoon.
They were quickly made aware of the altercation between the two local men – both of whom are known to them.
It happened at 3pm and in the area of the Allied Irish Bank right in the centre of the town.
Frightened, mid-afternoon Saturday shoppers on the town’s typically busy street alerted gardai as soon as they realised the gravity of the situation as it unfolded before them.
The incident, allegedly involved a man with a hatchet who spotted and approached another man who is known to him.
One of the men is alleged to have been injured as he fled from his alleged hatchet wielding assailant.
The incident lasted only a short time before gardai were alerted and responded.
While there is a broad sweep of local opinion as to the motives behind the alleged attack, a local Garda spokesman would not be drawn on the details other than confirming that the incident did happen and that it is under investigation.
Gardai can be contacted locally at the Castleisland station on: 066 71 41204 or on the Garda Confidential Line: 1800 666 111