Priests and parishioners targeted in spate of robberies

SNEAK thieves have robbed priests’ homes while they have been serving masses in Kerry.

In addition to presbyteries being targeted, cars parked outside churches during weekend services have also been raided.

Gardaí yesterday advised people attending services to be extra cautious about vehicle security.

Officers confirmed they are investigating two burglaries that took place during masses in the county last weekend.

Currow presbytery, near Farranfore, was broken into and money was stolen between 7.15pm and 8pm on Saturday evening while Mass was being celebrated.

Farranfore gardaí wish to speak to people who were in the vicinity of the presbytery, located about a kilometre from the church.

Subsequently, between 10am and 10.30am on Sunday morning, a car was broken into in Lyracrompane, near Castleisland, and a handbag was stolen.

Gardaí are hoping people who were attending Mass in Lyracrompane, around that time, may be able to help investigators.

“We want anyone that saw anything suspicious to contact us,” said a Garda spokesman.

Meanwhile, investigations are continuing into an assault on a garda in Killorglin last weekend.

He was among a number of gardaí called to the scene of a row at the Square, Killorglin, after 1.30am, on Saturday.

The garda, in his 20s, was kicked while lying on the ground and was attended to by a local doctor.

A man arrested at the scene was taken to Caherciveen Garda station but was released without charge.

Killorglin gardaí said they are treating the incident as a serious assault on a garda.

It is understood a file is being prepared for the DPP.