Thieves vandalise shrine in failed smash and grab
WITH masses off the table for the foreseeable future as a result of Covid-19, over the past couple of weeks many of those of a religious persuasion have been turning to Our Lady’s Island as somewhere to go and enjoy a peaceful moment and offer up a prayer in difficult times. However, those attending the shrine on the island last week were greeted by a despicable act of vandalism.
Opportunistic thugs turned over a broke the candle holders, where members of the public make a donation and light a candle while saying a prayer. They attempted to gain access to the money boxes on the candle holders, but ultimately failed in their efforts.
‘There was a lot of damage to the shrine and the candle holders,’ said Parish Priest Fr Jim Cogley. ‘They brought lump hammers and chisels. They even broke the head off one of the lump hammers. They must have been at it for a while, but they probably weren’t the most professional outfit because the tools were sort of rough and ready. Maybe part of it was just boredom or something too.’
Fr Cogley said that while the would-be thieves didn’t manage to get any cash from the boxes, they did cause damage that will probably cost upwards of €500 to set right.
‘Look it’s not a huge amount, but at the same time it’s just the annoyance of having to put things right and fix it all,’ he said. ‘There would be very little cash in those boxes in the first place. They are emptied regularly.’
Gardaí attended the scene and an investigation into the matter is ongoing.