Six stolen artworks recovered in Co Offaly

Gardaí have recovered six valuable pieces of artwork during a planned operation in Edenderry, Co Offaly.

The six oil paintings, part of a set of fourteen depicting the Stations of the Cross, were reported stolen from the Church of St Peter & St Paul, Kiltullagh, Co Galway, in June 2013.

The artwork had been specially commissioned from Dublin-born painter and glass artist Evie Hone.

The discovery was made by gardaí attached to the Edenderry and Tullamore stations during a search of wasteland near Edenderry on Tuesday.

Good condition

The paintings were said to be in good condition and have been removed from the scene to Tullamore Garda station for forensic and technical examination.

No one was arrested during this phase of the investigation but enquiries are ongoing.

Anyone with information on the seizure is asked to contact Tullamore Garda station on 057-9327600, Galway Garda station on 091-538000 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666111.

Three years ago, Crimestoppers offered a reward for any information leading to the recovery of the stolen artwork.

It was estimated the stolen paintings could be worth up to €150,000 or up to €6,000 individually.

Evie Hone was a Dublin-born painter and stained-glass artist, who died in 1955. She created works which are in a number of churches, including the east window at Eton College’s chapel in Windsor, England.

One of her best-known works is My Four Green Fields which is in Government Buildings in Dublin.