Gardaí recover holy relics stolen from Tipperary abbey

Gardaí have recovered priceless relics that were stolen from Holy Cross Abbey in County Tipperary last October.

They include a piece of the cross that Jesus is believed to have been crucified on.

Gardaí and the clergy were mystified when the relics were taken, as they were unaware of a market for stolen property of this kind.

The Parish priest of Holy Cross last night positively identified the relics when he was contacted by investigating gardaí.

The Archbishop of Cashel and Emly, Dermot Clifford, has expressed joy and relief following the return of the relics unharmed.

He said measures would be taken to store the artefacts more securely.