A MEDIEVAL SCULPTURE stolen from the grounds of Rathmore Church in County Meath was returned earlier today.On Tuesday, TheJournal.ie reported the theft of the 15th century baptismal font, which had been missing for almost a month from the heritage site.
However, the national monument, thought to be worth at least half a million euro, was returned to its original position this morning.
According to local reports, two jeeps drove into the grounds of the church in the early hours of the morning before a group unloaded the artefact.
Keeper of Antiquities at the National Museum of Ireland, Ned Kelly, said the thieves must have had a change of heart when they realised the importance of the sculpture.
“It would seem the persons involved in removing it realised there was massive disapproval of what was done and that they better get it back quickly,” he told TheJournal.ie.
He added: “They brought it back but they were spotted and the details of the vehicles used have been reported to the gardai and they are now looking into it. We contacted all of our European partners and we contacted networks in North America, and all the dealers in Ireland.”
Gardai confirmed they are continuing to investigate the incident.