Two crosses stolen from Holycross Abbey in Thurles
Gardaí in Co Tipperary are looking for two men in connection with the theft of two religious artefacts from Holycross Abbey in Thurles yesterday.
The men, who had their faces covered, entered the premises at about 5pm, armed with a portable angle grinder, a hammer and a screwdriver.
They stole a pair of 12-inch holy crosses - one silver, the other made from gold and bronze - and escaped in a wine or red Volkswagen Touareg jeep with the partial registration number 06 OY or 06 LK.
The vehicle was found burnt out a short time later near Yellow Lough in Thurles.
Parish priest Fr Tom Breen said the crosses were of no monetary value and appealed for them to be returned.
Gardaí are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
(1) A holy cross, approximately 12 inches in height, hanging from a chain and containing two crosses and two dark stones. It was made from silver and is estimated to date from the 14th Century.
(2) A holy cross, approximately 12 inches in height and standing on its own base approximately .75 inches in diameter. The cross contained a centrepiece that could hold the Host. This cross was made from gold and bronze.
