He was detained after gardaí were alerted to unusual activity on Church Lane around 7pm.
An Army bomb-disposal team was called in and the area was sealed off pending further technical investigations.
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The man was found nearby with injuries to his face and hands.
He was taken to St Luke's General Hospital where he was treated for his injuries.
After his release from hospital, gardaí detained the man under Section 30 Offences Against The State Act, 1939.
He is being held at Kilkenny Garda station. Investigations are continuing.
