Vincent Adair sets a new Irish record for being buried alive as he seeks to be re-elected as Ard Rí of Trim.
In a bid to retain his High King of Trim title, lorry-driver Vincent Adair originally from Newtownards in County Down tried to find a novel way raise funds for St Joseph’s Home for the elderly and for a project to build flat-lets for newly married couples in the town.
He opted to be buried eight feet underground in a makeshift coffin and maximise sponsorship by remaining buried for five days. His only contact with the world above came via four pipes carrying necessities; air, food, water and conversation.
Almost 1,000 people gathered at Mornington Heights in Trim to witness Vincent’s disinterment, among them his wife Maureen, their newborn baby Gemma and his elder daughters.
Local volunteers dug up the coffin and Vincent emerged from his tomb to the cheers of onlookers before going to a Red Cross ambulance for a medical examination. Once given the all clear, Vincent sat on a make-shift throne beside his do it yourself grave and toasted success with a glass of champagne.
It was great experience and I enjoyed every minute of it...I would do it again certainly.
Vincent Adairnever felt like giving up as he wanted to beat the existing Irish record set by a man in Dungannon, County Tyrone, who remained buried alive for 80 hours. Vincent broke this record by 20 hours and is also expected to retain the Ard Rí title.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 17 August 1982. The reporter is Caroline Erskine.
