Mass-goers at Tramore’s Holy Cross Church were shocked and appalled to hear that €3,000 had been stolen from parish funds during a burglary at the Sacristy last Thursday.
The distinctive main door to the sacristy, which has been in place for many years, was badly damaged and the sacristy itself completely ransacked during the break-in, which is believed to have occurred sometime between the closure of the church at 7pm and 9.30pm, when two locals, out walking, noticed the main door was ajar.
They alerted parish priest, the Rev Mons Michael Olden, who discovered that the safe in the sacristy had been opened and a sum in the region of €3,000, the proceeds of church collections, stolen.
Speaking to The Munster Express, Mon Olden expressed his disappointment that the church could be the subject of such an attack. “I would like to have thought that people would respect the church building, irrespective of whether or not they use it”, he said.
“Parishioners are quite upset by what has happened and we believe the burglary was planned because whoever carried it out would have had to come prepared – a strong implement would have been required to cause such damage to the sacristy door.”
A local man in his Twenties was arrested for questioning in connection with the incident and later released without charge.
Gardai have appealed for anyone who may have information in relation to the burglary to contact Tramore Garda Station on 051-292211 or the Garda Confidential Helpline on 1 800 666 111
