Gardai wish to renew their appeal to the public to help them identify the whereabouts of six paintings which were stolen from St Peter and Paul’s Church, Kiltullagh, Athenry, Co. Galway on the 22nd June 2013.
The theft is believed to have occurred between 10am and 9.15pm on the 22nd of June. The keys to the back door of the Church were stolen one week prior to the incident.
The six paintings depict the scenes from the third, fourth, fifth, tenth, eleventh and twelfth Stations of the Cross. Artist Evie Hone was commissioned to paint the scenes in 1946 and they have hung in St Peter and Paul’s Church since then.
Speaking today, Detective Inspector Michael Coppinger said that: "These paintings are of considerable material value, but they are invaluable to the Church and to the parishioners. I am appealing to anyone who can help with this investigation to call Crimestoppers or their local Garda Station today. Perhaps you saw something suspicious on or around 22 June or perhaps you know who is responsible for this crime. I urge you to come forward now”.
Anybody with information can call Crimestoppers on 1800 25 00 25, The Garda Confidential Telephone Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
Requests for interview can be forwarded to pressoffice@garda.ie
Images of the paintings can be seen on www.garda.ie
