Two men aged in their 30s have been arrested following the theft of a religious artefact in Co Offaly this afternoon.
The priceless historical artefact was stolen from St Manchan’s Church, Boher, Co Offaly shortly after 1.30pm. Described as the “Precious shrine of St Manchan” it is approximately 2.5ft by 2 ft and made of yew wood with gilt bronze.
The alarm was raised after witnesses reported seeing a green car and two men leave the area in the direction of Shannonbridge.
Gardaí subsequently stopped and searched a car on the N5 and two men were arrested and brought to Tullamore Garda station where they are being held under under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.
The shrine has not been recovered.
Gardaí have asked anyone with information, particularly anyone in the Boher to Shannonbridge area, to contact Tullamore Garda station on 057 9327600.