Carrauntoohil cross footage ‘genuine’

A video showing a stooped, shadowy figure cutting down a landmark cross on top of Ireland’s highest mountain is believed to be genuine.

Anti-Catholic messages are on the video relating to the Church’s control of primary schools and gardaí are continuing their investigation into the criminal damage of the cross on Carrauntoohil. It was re-erected last weekend.

The video footage, anonymously sent to the Journal.ie news website, shows a person using what appears to be an angle grinder at the base of the steel cross. It also indicates more than one person was involved. The incident has caused outrage in the community of Beaufort, Co Kerry, which is now looking at the possibility of installing cameras.

Upwards of 30 people were involved in reinstating the five-metre cross, last Saturday, including explorer Mike O’Shea. He said those responsible for cutting it down should have protested by other means. “It was a publicity stunt to try to get their message out there, but it served no purpose and people nowadays have plenty of other means of voicing protests,’’ he said.