Nobody came to help nuns attacked on way to Mass

When an elderly nun shouted “help” after being attacked when walking to morning mass in Limerick city centre, nobody came to her assistance.

In a distressed state, Sr Pauline Clarke had to walk through O’Connell St to the Augustinian church, before she could raise the alarm, Limerick Circuit Court heard.

Sr Pauline, aged 76 and Sr Bernadette O’Driscoll, aged 79, were on their way to 10am Mass at the Augustinian’s, when they were pounced on from behind by heroin addict, Joe Roche. He grabbed Sr Pauline’s hand bag, before running off.