Crimestoppers is appealing to the public to help them identify the whereabouts of six paintings which were stolen from a church in Athenry, Co Galway last month.
The theft is believed to have taken place between 10am and 9.15pm on June 22nd.
The keys to the back door of the Church were stolen a week before the incident.
The six paintings depict the scenes from the third, fourth, fifth, tenth, eleventh and twelfth Stations of the Cross. Artist Evie Hone was commissioned to paint the scenes in 1946 and they have hung in St Peter and Paul’s Church since then.
Detective Inspector Michael Coppinger said that: “These paintings are of considerable material value, but they are invaluable to the Church and to the parishioners. I am appealing to anyone who can help with this investigation to call Crimestoppers today. Perhaps you saw something suspicious on or around 22 June or perhaps you know who is responsible for this crime. I urge you to come forward now”.
Anybody with information can call Crimestoppers on 1800 25 00 25.
Calls to Crimestoppers are anonymous.
Any caller whose information significantly helps the investigation may receive a reward.
