GARDAÍ INVESTIGATING the theft of a religious artefact from St Manchan’s Church, Boher, Co Offaly yesterday afternoon have arrested two men in their 30s.
The highly ornate artefact, known as the “Precious Shrine of St Manchan”, measures more than 2 ft in length by 2 ft in height, is made of yew wood and gilt bronze and is described as of priceless historical value.
The alarm was raised shortly after 1.30pm yesterday and witnesses reported seeing a green car and two men leave the area in the direction of Shannonbridge.
Gardaí subsequently stopped a car on the N5 and two male occupants were arrested on suspicion of theft.
They are currently being detained at Tullamore Garda station under section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984. No property has been recovered to date.
Constructed in Clonmacnoise in the 12th century, the shrine was built to house the bones of St Manchan, a 7th century saint who founded a monastery in Lemanaghan, near Boher in Co Offaly.
Gardaí are appealing for anyone with information, particularly anyone in the Boher to Shannonbridge area, to contact Tullamore Garda station on 057-9327600.