Collection box stolen from Co Mayo church

A collection box containing money raised to help African missionaries has been stolen from a crib in a Co Mayo church.

A collection box containing money raised to help African missionaries has been stolen from a crib in a Co Mayo church.

It is estimated that the heavy steel container, which was stolen from St. Tiernan's Church, Crossmolina, last Friday evening, contained between €600 and €700.

Parish priests say that if the box had not been stolen, it would have raised more than €1,200 by today.

Speaking on RTÉ radio, local curate Fr Michael Reilly said the money was due to be shared between two local priests who work in Africa.

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"The feeling here in the community is one of shock and disbelief that someone could stoop so low as to rob a collection box that is here to serve the poorest of the poor, " he said.

"I appeal to them to come forward and return the money if they have a conscience."

A Garda spokesman said they are studying video footage from the church's CCTV system in an effort to identify the thieves.