Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Thurles Residents Outraged over Crib Damage

Residents of a quiet Tipperary village were left utterly disgusted this week when a public crib which has existed in the village for decades was vandalised.
 
A public crib has existed beside Leugh National School and the local grotto just three miles from Thurles town for decades when a local committee instigated the idea and it has continued to be erected there ever since. 

However last week Thurles Gardaí told CINews  that they have received reports that one life-size figure from the crib was smashed while figures of Jesus, Mary and Joseph were removed from the crib altogether. 

News of the damage to the crib was announced at masses in Thurles town as well as in surrounding parishes last Sunday where a heartfelt plea was made by priests for the return of the figures from the crib even if they were returned under the cover of darkness. 

Gardaí in Thurles have appealed to anyone who may have noticed any suspicious activity in the area just before New Year's Eve to contact them.  

They claim that they have received a number of calls from the public who have expressed their absolute disgust at what has happened. 

Gardaí have also claimed that because of the figures size and weight a vehicle of some kind would have been required to remove them from the crib. 

The incident in Leugh is the second such crib desecration in as many days.  

Market Square in Portlaoise in County Laois was also damaged last week but was restored and remained in place until January 6.

SIC: CIN/IE