Gardaí hope for arrests in Erris vandalism case 'in very near future'

Gardaí are examining CCTV footage as part of an ongoing investigation into extensive vandalism at the chapel and convent of Our Lady’s Secondary School in Belmullet.

A Garda spokesperson confirmed to the Western People that Gardaí responded to a report of criminal damage at the premises last Friday. A technical examination of the scene has since been carried out, with investigations ongoing but there have been no arrests yet.

The incident has left the local community appalled and saddened, with religious artefacts, sacred images, stained-glass windows and furnishings among the items damaged.

In a social media post, the school’s principal Edmund Holmes described the “great sadness and disappointment” caused by the damage, saying the convent and chapel had been “left in a shocking state of destruction”.

Describing the building as “much more than bricks and mortar”, Mr Holmes said it was deeply disappointing to see a cherished part of the school's history “treated with such disregard”.

He said the chapel “is an important part of the history and heritage of Belmullet and the wider Erris community, holding special memories for generations of students, families, staff and the religious sisters who dedicated so much of their lives to education in our community”.

The principal described the incident as “an attack on a place of great historical, cultural and spiritual significance”, and said it affected the entire community.

Garda Inspector Dermot Butler told the Western People that gardaí are examining CCTV footage in connection with the incident. No arrests had been made at the time of interview, but he remained hopeful that arrests would be made “in the very near future”.

“It's a despicable act. The church has been there for many years, a lot of people from Erris and beyond would’ve gone to school at the convent and attended the church,” he said. “It's a sad state of affairs when young people think it’s okay to go in and damage a small church. 

"It has been the topic of conversation around the town over the last couple of days. It’s [similar acts of damage] happening all over the country, it's not a nice thing to happen,” he said.

Inspector Butler, who was serving his final day yesterday (Monday) before retiring, said he hopes there will be arrests "in the very near future". 

"Someone knows who the culprit or culprits are and I would appeal for them to come forward.

“A lot of people are very annoyed and upset around town."

Erris-based councillor Gerry Coyle said he was “absolutely disgusted” to see the damage caused.

“I am disgusted and disappointed that such a thing could happen in our area,” he said. “To think that somebody is capable of that. What’s it coming to?” 

The Fine Gael councillor said he hoped those responsible were not from the local community.

“I am so nervous in case it is someone local. I just hope whoever done that is not local,” he said.

Cllr Coyle said the fact that the vandalism had taken place in a sacred place of worship made the situation particularly upsetting.

Our Lady’s Secondary School has appealed to members of the public who may have witnessed suspicious activity in or around the school grounds in recent weeks, or who may have information that could help identify those responsible, to contact An Garda Síochána or the school authorities.

The school told the Western People it would not be commenting further on the incident while the matter is being looked into.

Our Lady’s Secondary School opened in 1943 at the request of the Belmullet community, by the Sisters of Mercy, under the direction of Sister Catherine McGoohan, with the assistance of Sisters Annunciata Browne and Aquinas McNulty. The school became co-educational in 1959, and the Sisters continued to teach there until 2002.