SHANNON was in shock last weekend after criminals broke into St John and Paul’s church and desecrated the property.
Doors and locks were damaged, and a window broken, while the Tabernacle was abused and the Blessed Sacrament stolen.
Shrines were also vandalised, as was sound equipment used to broadcast Mass to the sick and housebound.
The sacristy was ransacked and a sum of money taken.
Parish Priest Fr Tom Ryan, was first on the scene on Friday morning, and described the vandalism as “distressing,” to the Limerick Post.
“The church had been ransacked and the Tabernacle broken into and money taken.
“I arrived in the morning… it was fairly distressing.
“I knew there was something wrong straight away because the lights were on and the locks were broken.
“The gardaí were on the ball and at the scene straight away. It’s a matter for them to deal with now”.
Fr Ryan thanked that the community for their support.
“People rallied around and everyone put in an effort so we could have our service on Friday night.
“We’re going to have to review security now, an unnecessary expense we could do without in these times”.
Gardaí in Shannon are investigating the crime and are seeking any witnesses or information.
Contact 061 361212.
