Gardaí are investigating an act of vandalism against one of the most famous landmarks in Galway, the statue of the writer Padraic O'Connaire. The statue had its head removed and stolen in the early hours of the morning. Gardaí have arrested four men with addresses in the North as they were about to board a bus and leave the city. The head was also recovered.
O'Connaire, who was born in Galway city in 1882, was a prolific writer of short stories and books - many of which featured his famous asal beag dubh. Albert Power's statue was erected at Eyre Square in 1928. This is not the first time the statue has been a victim of vandalism, ten years ago vandals chipped away part of the statue's hat.
This time, the head was hacked off sometime during the night. Throughout the day Gardaí mounted an intensive surveillance operation and late this afternoon they arrested four men as they attempted to board a bus for Belfast. The men had the head of the statue in a bag. The four,who have addresses in Armagh, are at present being detained at Millstreet Garda Station.
The Mayor of Galway Councillor Angela Lupton has strongly condemned the attack on the statue and said immediate steps will be taken to have it repaired.
