Saint Michan's Church in Dublin, which is over 1000 years old, has once again been the target for vandalism and desecration of the spoke to Philip Boucher-Hayes on Liveline to appeal to the public for the safe return of the stolen items.
Underneath the church lie five long burial vaults containing the mummified remains of many of Dublin’s most influential 17th, 18th and 19th century families. The constant dry atmosphere has caused the mummification of the bodies and the preservation of the coffins.
The 650-year-old "Crusader" has been destroyed and his head severed from his body and stolen. The gruesome discovery was made when the tour guide went to open the vault.
‘They have completely destroyed the vault. A nun’s body was also destroyed by vandals. It’s pretty horrific down there, it’s not a pretty sight’
Up to 27,000 people visited the church last year and it would be a shame to see the Church closed to members of the public outside of services.
Gardai are currently investigating and CCTV is being examined.
For more from Liveline, click here.