Scrap dealers have been urged to look out for a rare and historic church bell, stolen in Co Kerry, being offered for sale.The Ivy Leaf Theatre was formerly a Church of Ireland church.
The ornate bell, which hung outside for generations, was taken down and kept indoors following a fire some years ago.
Weighing around 350lbs, it was on a 12ft shelf inside the building, located on a laneway just off the main street.
A spokesman for the theatre company believe a number of people would be needed to move the bell as well as a vehicle to transport it from the scene.
It is feared the bell may be among several metal items and monuments being targeted in recent years by thieves around the country.
The bell was made by the Rudhall family of Gloucester, England, in 1776 and only 18 such bells of its type exist in the world, according to Michael Burke of the Ivy Leaf Theatre.
He also said such bells are only in three other locations in Ireland — at St Anne’s Church, Shandon, Cork; St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, also Cork; and Trinity College, Dublin.
"This bell is so old and so rare that it would be impossible to put a value on it," said Mr Burke.
"You’d know from just looking at it that this bell is quite unique. It’s a treasure as far we’re concerned and we want it back.
"We’re also asking scrap dealers and junkyard owners to be fully aware and to tell the gardaí if they are approached by people with the bell which is 26 inches in diameter and about two and a half feet high."
Gardaí in Castleisland are investigating the theft and the scene has been forensically examined.