Gardai in Thurles are investigating the theft of two religious artefacts from Holycross Abbey, Co.Tipperary, on the 11th October 2011.
Two suspects entered the Abbey at about 5.00 p.m. Both had their faces covered and were in possession of a portable angle grinder as well as a hammer and screwdriver. They left within a few minutes and were observed getting into a wine or red VW Touareg jeep with the partial registration number 06 OY or 06 LK. There was another person in this jeep waiting for the two suspects.
The two items stolen are described as follows:
(1) A Holy Cross, approximately 12” in height, hanging from a chain and contained two crosses and two dark stones. It was made from silver and is estimated to date from the 14th Century.
(A photograph of this cross is available from the Garda Press Office)
(2) A Holy Cross, approximately 12” in height and standing on its own base approximately ¾” in diameter. The cross contained a centrepiece that could hold the Host. This cross was made from gold and bronze.
This jeep left the scene in the direction of Yellow Lough and was discovered a short time later two to three miles from the scene at the Yellow Lough, Thurles, where it had been set alight. A dark coloured saloon car was seen in the vicinity of where the VW Touareg jeep was burnt out, travelling at high speed. It is unconfirmed if this vehicle was connected with the theft.
Gardai would like anybody with any information, particularly anyone who may have noticed a VW Touareg (06 OY or 06 LK) in the last number of weeks, to contact them. They would also like to speak to anyone who saw a dark coloured saloon car in the area of Yellow Lough or Holycross. Gardai are appealing for witnesses to contact them at Thurles Garda Station on 0504 25100.
