Priest locked burglar in house during raid

A BRAVE priest tried to stop a burglar who assaulted him – as the man made off with the church collection – by locking the thief into the parochial house.

Despite being dragged to the floor by his attacker, Fr John O’Reilly managed to get up and secure the main door to the property in Piercetown parish, Wexford, as the burglar made off with the collection.

However, Ross Bolger, 22, managed escape through a small window but was caught hiding behind a tractor in the nearby village, in a dishevelled state and with €380 in cash, Wexford Circuit Criminal Court heard. Bolger of Hayesland, Kilrane, Co. Wexford, was jailed for three years for stealing €400, a €450 crucifix and a gold chain in August last year.

The court heard Fr. O’Reilly was counting the collection from the Murrintown Mass he had just officiated at when he felt an arm come over his shoulder.

A struggle ensued and Bolger told the priest: ‘I’m here for the money.’ Despite being considerably shaken by his ordeal, Fr. O’Reilly managed to give a gardaí a detailed description of his attacker.

Bolger was arrested and brought to Wexford Garda Station for interview. Forensic tests later confirmed he was the attacker.

Jordan Fletcher, defending, said that at the time of the offence Bolger was not able to stay in his mother’s home and got himself into drugs and drink.

He said Bolger had not been aware the parish priest was in the property was very remorseful for his actions.