Thomas Roche (39) of Boyne Meadows, Edenderry, Co Offaly, and Bernard McCarthy (37), Foxdene Gardens, Clondalkin, Co Dublin, admitted at Tullamore District Court to taking the shrine of St Manchan from St Manchan’s Church, Boher, on June 1st.
The shrine, which was recovered by gardaí, is made of yew and gilt bronze and is of significant historical value.
Mr Roche, a father of six, apologised. He and Mr McCarthy, a father of three, are in receipt of social welfare.
They offered pleas of guilty and were remanded on bail for sentencing.