Parishioners and clergy have been warned to be alert about security
at their churches following the theft of roof lead and slates from two
Church of Ireland properties in County Kildare, and kerosene from a
third.
Gardaí are investigating the thieves who ripped the lead and tiles
from the Wogan Browne Church in Mainham and the entrance to St Michael’s
and All Angels’ Church in Millicent, and kerosene from St
Peter’s Church in Donadea.
The two thefts of roof tiles and lead are believed to be connected
and indeed, all three incidents may be the work of the same people and
Gardaí have asked people to be extra vigilant about property in the
area.
All three churches were vulnerable because of their location in
relatively quiet rural areas, with St Peter’s located within the grounds
of Donadea Forest Park, which is operated by Coillte.
The presence of walkers and joggers at the park at all hours did not
deter the thieves, however, who made off with two tankfuls of kerosene
used to heat the building.
St Michael’s Church dates from 1883 and two of its walls have
specialised metal artwork knows as cloisonné.
But it was a roof over a
130-year old latch gate archway on the entrance, rather than the church
building itself, that was of interest to the lead and tile thieves.
The tiles are of the Blue Bangor variety, which are now quite rare and sought-after.
According to the Book of Armagh, the site of St. Peter’s Church has
been a religious settlement since the time of St Patrick.
Sir Fenton
Aylmer, whose family owned the Lyons Estate, is credited with building
the present St. Peter’s Church in Donadea, which was consecrated in
1812.
SIC: CIN/IE