Gardai have arrested and charged a man following criminal damage at a Laois church on Sunday.
The candelabra in Abbeyleix church was completely smashed up in an overnight attack.
Gardai say: “Gardai would like to thank the public for their assistance in relation to an incident of Criminal Damage on Sunday morning at the Most Holy Rosary Church Abbeyleix.
“A male has been charged and is due to appear before Portlaoise District Court.”
Taking to Twitter this morning, Parish Priest Fr Paddy Byrne shared a picture of the damage.
He said: “Our beautiful church here in Abbeyleix has been vandalised.
“Our Candelabra totally destroyed where many like to light a candle and say a quiet prayer.
“It’s a sad reality that this is the respect given to sacred places in our communities….”
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