Could it have been a case of ‘Divine intervention’ when two individuals, who had broken into a number of churches over two days last week in the north Westmeath and adjoining Meath areas, were shocked to discover the Gardai waiting for them when they returned to retrieve their getaway vehicle, several days after the break-ins.
The churches in Castlepollard, in Killulagh, in Delvin, and also in Meath – St James’ Church in Rathmore, Athboy, and Trim Catholic Church were also hit by thieves last week, we understand.
The “Divine intervention” speculation results from the fact that on Wednesday, it appears the getaway vehicle broke down after one of the “church visits”. The Gardai, alerted and checking out the vehicle, waited patiently, and two days later, when the vehicle occupants returned, they were apprehended.
People across north Westmeath, who were shocked by this recent spate of Westmeath church robberies have reacted very strongly to the incidents, and Topic was told that the desecration of churches were indications of a new low amongst thieves. “Nothing is sacred any longer, even the Blessed Sacrament,” he remarked.
The thefts in the Westmeath area began on Tuesday last, 18 April when St Michael’s Church in Castlepollard was broken into between 7.20pm and 7.40pm.
Two men broke open the candle holder, which contains coins left by people who lit candles. It is understood no money was stolen but considerable criminal damage was caused to the candle holder, shrines and collection boxers, while old wood wainscotting was also torn away from the wall.
Also on Tuesday, 18 April, in the Church of St Livinus in Killulagh, Delvin, came under attack between 9am and 5pm. A quantity of kerosene oil, valued at €500, was stolen from the precincts of this church.
The following day, on Wednesday, 19 April, the Church of the Assumption in Delvin was broken into between 2pm and 5.30pm and a brass candle shrine, valued at €500 was stolen from the church.
OUTRAGE
The thefts from the churches caused outrage and annoyance for many local people, who were astonished that such criminal activity would take place in the ‘house of God’.
On Wednesday evening, alert Gardaí spotted a vehicle broken down on the side of the road and they became suspicious and checked out the owner’s details. It was then the Gardaí decided to wait their opportunity and a few days later, when the owners of the broken down van returned, Gardaí pounced and questioned the two individuals.
Two men were subsequently arrested on Saturday, 22 April and admitted their crimes and they are expected to appear in Mullingar Court in mid-May. One man is said to be in his 30s while the other man is in his 40s. It is believed both men are from the Louth area.
Gardaí say that the stolen items have not yet been recovered, but they believe they have been dumped in a bog in the Drumcree area and said they hope to recover them in the coming days. Among these items is the brass candle shrine from Delvin Church.
One of the worse church robbery incidents – of which there have been a number across the country in recent weeks – was at St Michael’s Church, Shroid, in Longford where a window was broken in and sacred vessels stolen. In the latter case, on Easter Sunday morning, the Tabernacle, containing the Blessed Sacrament, was torn from its fittings and stolen from the church, by the intruders.
The marble encasing it was smashed to pieces during the attack. The Shroid incident has been described by the bishop in Longford as a “great act of desecration.”
