THE theft of upwards of €25,000 in canvas paintings from the Holy Rosary Church on the Ennis Road last week and that has caused great upset, is under investigation as art dealers are warned to beware.
Gardai are investigating the second break-in at the church which occurred last Wednesday evening and art dealers around the country have been contacted and notified that the paintings are stolen.
The investigation was launched after thieves broke into the Church and cut the Fr Jack Hanlon canvasses from their frames.
As part of its renovation, the biblical paintings were on display in the church for the last 50 years.
Last Sunday, the parish centre was broken into on Sunday night where several thousand euro worth of damage was caused. Nothing was taken in the break-in however.
Mayorstone Gardai are investigating the incidents and CCTV footage is being checked.
