Thieves have stooped to a new low after stealing the pillars from the front of a church.
The incident happened at the weekend when thieves targeted St.Lugadius’ Church in Clonleigh in Lifford.
Locals spotted people acting suspiciously on Friday evening and feared they were planning to steal headstones.
Upon further investigation they discovered that sandstone pillar tops had been removed from the Church of Ireland building and were lying on the ground.
Rev John Hay, the Dean of Raphoe, called Gardai who carried out extra patrols in the area.
However when the church was visited a number of hours later around 10pm, the 200 year old pillar-tops had vanished.
Dean of Raphoe, Rev Hay said local people are shocked and annoyed that the pillar-tops have been stolen.
“To think that they have been there for 200 years and not been touched and now they are simply gone is just so annoying.
“Why would people steal so low as to do something like this? I know we are living in touch times but I would ask to ask myself if these people are not desperate but just bad,” he said.
The pillar-tops are 2’6” square and are made of sandstone.
Rev Hay has appealed to anybody who may have been offered the items for sale to contact the Gardai immediately.
“This was organised and planned and perhaps they were stolen to order.
“There is a large mark on the wall and ground where they were taken down and then put into some kind of vehicle.
“I would appeal to anybody who may have been offered these pillar-tops to do the right thing and contact the Gardai,” he said.
Gardai have confirmed the incident is being investigated and have appealed for witnesses.
Ends
Tags: