‘This is sacred ground, people are gutted’ – Gardaí investigating after satanic symbol painted on church

The graffiti discovered on the wall of Kenmare Church on Sunday Morning.

February 14 2022 04:23 PM

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Gardaí have launched a criminal investigation following the discovery of graffiti on the walls of Kenmare church on Sunday morning.

The act of vandalism has caused shock and anger in the local community at the discovery of painted symbols on the wall of Holy Cross church in Kenmare close to the front door. 

Mass-goers on their way into the 9am service on Sunday morning arrived to find the left front of the historic building painted an inverted pentagram – a common satanic or pagan symbol in red and black paint. 

The lettering alongside stated “I tried to fix the … sorry I couldn’t” 

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Such is the extent of the damage that it will take some days to fix as experts will have to be drafted in to ensure the building is not further damaged. 

Parish priest Fr George Hayes has expressed his disappointment at the shocking act as has local councillor Patrick Connor Scarteen who said the local community are “upset and gutted” 

“This is sacred ground, it is a place of worship and solace. It is the one place you don’t interfere with. People are upset and gutted. They can’t get their heads around it,” said Cllr Scarteen. 

Those attending mass on Sunday were the first to discover the shocking crime while those attending a local funeral mass today were also faced with the graffiti as they said their final goodbyes to their loved one. 

“It is shocking to see that people would stoop to this do something like this in holy grounds. I hope the perpetrator/s are caught.”

Cllr Dan McCarthy has also criticised the ‘shocking’ act. 

“It is sad to thing that some-one would do this to fine building which is part of our community. People have worshipped her for hundreds of years. If people don’t believe in the church or the catholic faith that is fine but they can leave it for others.” 

He said that if some-one has an issue with the church they can seek help but vandalising the building is not the right. 

“There are no words to describe it .. Some-one went there specifically to do this.”