Man started fire in Cork church by using candles to light piece of material

Accused did not start fire deliberately but had a handkerchief in his hand and was intoxicated when he entered the church, court heard

Ronan Ruane, of St Vincent’s Hostel, Anglesea Terrace, Cork, pleaded guilty to the charge of causing criminal damaged by fire at Holy Trinity on Father Mather Quay in Cork on September 28, 2021. File picture: Denis Minihane

A 43-year-old man walked into Holy Trinity Church and used the candles to light some material to start a small fire.

Inspector James Hallahan said at Cork District Court that fortunately the arson was spotted very quickly and the fire extinguished.