Gardaí were tonight investigating whether vandalism of the National War Memorial in Dublin was linked to commemorations to mark the end of World War One.
The vandalism is believed to have been carried out within the last two days. The cross at the National War Memorial in Islandbrige was spray-painted with graffiti, as were the walls surrounding the back of the alter.
It coincides with the celebration of Remembrance Day, also known as Poppy Day, which marks the end of World War One on November 11 1918.
"There will be a full investigation into the incident but obviously the date is significant," said a Garda spokeswoman.
Gardaí preserved the scene for technical examination. The National War memorial was built to commemorate the estimated 49,000 Irishmen who died in the British Army during World War One.
The gardens surrounding it were restored by the Office of Public Works in the 1980s following years of neglect. In the early years after Irish independence the commemoration of Remembrance Day was controversial due to the singing of the British national anthem and the display of the Union flag. However, the ceremony has since gained wider acceptance.
Two years ago, the then-Belfast Lord Mayor and Sinn Féin member Mr Alex Maskey laid a laurel wreath at the cenotaph at Belfast City Hall to commemorate it.
PA