Gardai in Abbeyleix investigating a theft from the Holy Cross Church, Killeshin on the 22nd August 2012 wish to appeal for assistance from the public.
Gardai believe that sometime between 10a.m. and 5.30p.m. on Wednesday 22nd August a relic called "The Relic of the True Cross" was taken from Holy Cross Church and was presented to the church around 1822 after the church was built.
The Relic of the True Cross was kept in a case embedded in the inside wall of the church. It is made of pewter and contains a 3mm x 3mm piece of wood. It has no monetary value but is of enormous spiritual value to the Church and the parishioners.
Gardai wish to speak to anyone who may have visited the Holy Cross Church on Wednesday 22nd August, 2012 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m and seen anything unusual or suspicious in the area or be in a position to assist with the investigation to contact them at Abbeyleix Garda Station at 057 8730580, The Garda Confidential Telephone Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
A photograph is available on request by email from the Garda Press Office at pressoffice@garda.ie
