Vandals target church

GARDAÍ have launched an investigating after the windows of a 200year-old church were smashed, causing €70,000 worth of damage.

The damage was discovered by a church volunteer on Wednesday at St. Catherine’s church in Tullamore, Co. Offaly.

It is believed the windows were broken sometime between Monday and Wednesday morning.

The Church of Ireland Reverend at St Catherine’s, Isaac Delamere, told The Irish Daily Mail it was possible local youths were to blame.

‘Over 100 windows in the church were broken which is a very sad affair. It could cost the church up to €70,000 to repair the damage and we just don’t know where this money will come from.’

He said the entire community was shocked and saddened by it.

A number of windows were not damaged, as they are protected by mesh. Reverand Delamere said they would have to look at updating the security system, at an extra cost. He added: ‘It’s a sad day when a church has to do this.’

Anyone with information can contact Tullamore Garda station.