A LIMERICK parish priest has spoken out in shock about the theft of sacred vessels and cash from a church on Christmas night. Fr Joseph Shire has said that parishioners who worship at Ballyagran church have been left in shock at the theft that occurred in what he believed to be was “the season of goodwill.” The robbery was discovered on St Stephen’s morning when the church was opened and the contents of the safe that contained ciboria and cash from Christmas donations were either stolen or found scattered outside the church.
Fr Shire said it was hard to believe that somebody would come to a parish church on Christmas night and break down the back door of the church, take the safe out the back, steal the money and scatter sacred vessels on the ground.
Gardai at Newcastlewest are following a definite line of inquiry but are still anxious to get the public’s assistance in the bringing the culprits to justice.
They can be contacted on 069-20650 or information can be passed on to the Garda confidential telephone line 1800 666111
