A Garda technical team is investigating the circumstances whereby the contents of a Church of Ireland church were almost completely destroyed by vandals.
Holy Trinity, Errislannan, Clifden Co Galway - part of the Omey group of Church of Ireland churches - had not been in use for the past four weeks, and the damage had not been identified until earlier today.
As a result Gardaí are seeking the help from the public and the community in this remote part of North Connemara in an attempt to establish who is responsible for the vandalism.
Reverend Stan Evans told RTÉ Nuacht that the entire contents of the church were destroyed in a "wanton act of vandalism" where even the church pews and altar were damaged and the cross had been used as a weapon to damage the organ and other contents.
Reverend Evans said the Clifden community is devastated after the act of vandalism.
It is understood the vandalism took place within the last four weeks.
Speaking on RTÉ's News at One Reverend Evans said the church has been decimated.
He said extensive damage was done to the church's pulpit, altar, organ and light fittings.
He said "the cross was used as a weapon to smash items" and the bible was thrown through the East window of the church.
"The Church has been completely decimated. The pews, the pulpit, the organ, the altar table, everything smashed, the lights ripped out. The bible, which is a beautiful, family, church bible was thrown out the East window. Even the cross has been taken and used as a weapon to smash items and it is quite devastating."
Gardaí have appealed for anyone with information to contact Clifden Garda Station at (095) 22500
