Shock after Mayo School chapel vandalised
The school is appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
There is shock in the community in Belmullet after the chapel and convent in a secondary school.
Our Lady’s School published photos online showing the extent of the damage and appealed for anyone who may have information.
In a post on social media, the school said: "We are particularly dismayed to think that people among us could desecrate our beautiful chapel, where religious artefacts, sacred images, stained-glass windows and furnishings have been damaged, and parts of the chapel left in a shocking state of destruction.
"This building is much more than bricks and mortar. It 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.
"To see such a cherished part of our school's history treated with such disregard is deeply disappointing.
"This is not simply an act of vandalism against our school. It is an attack on a place of great historical, cultural and spiritual significance to our entire community.
"We are now appealing to the public for assistance.
"If anyone has witnessed suspicious activity in or around the school, convent or chapel in recent weeks, or has any information that might help identify those responsible, we would urge you to contact the school authorities or An Garda Síochána.
"No piece of information is too small, and any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
"We know that the overwhelming majority of people in our community share our respect for these buildings and the important place they hold in our local heritage.
"We cannot allow such destruction to go unchallenged. These buildings and their history belong to our community, and we all have a responsibility to protect them for future generations."
