Video emerges of Carrantuohill cross being cut down
A video has emerged that appears to show the Carrantuohill cross being cut down with an angle grinder.
The cross was discovered to have been chopped down by a hiking group in late November, and a video which appears to show the act in progress was sent to journalists at today.
The site has published a short excerpt of the video which shows an angle grinder in use at the base of the cross, while another short segment displays the message: "if you agree with the reasons behind this act then like and share this video. I am a parent, not affiliated to any[one].".
Reporters at the site say the video contains a number of "anti-Catholic Church sentiments" focusing on church-run primary schools in Ireland.
TheJournal report said the video has been passed to detectives investigating the case.
The cross was re-erected on the site this weekend by the MacGillycuddy Reeks Mountain Access Forum.
It was originally placed on top of the mountain, which is Ireland's highest, by Beaufort Community Council in 1976.
It became an iconic attraction where people who climbed Carrantuohill took pictures to mark the occasion.
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Atheist group Atheist Ireland condemned the act of vandalism, but did call for a non-religious replacement for the symbol.
In a statement this morning, the group said that they had received abuse since making the remarks.
"We have now been informed that we are going to burn in hell, are intolerant, pushing our views on everyone, seeking attention, gleeful, did not give the local people enough sympathy etc," the group wrote.
