In two separate robberies in the Clara area in Co Offaly, intruders have ransacked the houses of TD Barry Cowen and Irish golfer Shane Lowry.
Thieves broke into the two properties between 8pm and 10pm on Thursday. There was no one home in either house at the time of the burglaries.
The younger brother of former taoiseach Brian Cowen, Barry Cowen was meeting flood-affected farmers in Lusmagh and Banagher when the break-in occurred.
The house was ransacked, but the burglars are thought to have left empty handed after an unsuccessful search for cash.
“I’m just thankful there was nobody in at the time and the kids are all right,” Mr Cowen remarked.
Meanwhile, thieves gained access to Mr Lowry’s family home through a rear window, making off with a haul of crystal trophies, jewellery and watches.
Shane’s father Brendan Lowry, a former GAA All Star, said his 1982 All Ireland medal wasn’t taken during the burglary. “They took a lot of crystal that Shane would have won in golf,” he explained.