Three Limerick priests targeted by criminals
CRIMINALS in the city and county didn’t obey the eighth commandment as they stole from three priests - two on the same day.
Fr Desmond McAuliffe, Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Ennis Road, Limerick city; Fr Joe Tynan, Knocklong and Glenbrohane and Fr Oliver Plunkett, St Joseph’s Parish, O’Connell Avenue in the city all suffered at the hands of thieves.
Fr McAuliffe had his electric bike stolen - a gift from a parishioner - from his garage. On the same day before Christmas, Fr Plunkett had his car stolen from outside his home and written off. Fr Tynan’s shed at his former house in Garryspillane was broken into some weeks earlier with €7,000 worth of goods taken.
The Leader was contacted by a parishioner angry at the targeting of priests.
Fr McAuliffe, a familiar sight on his bike on the Ennis Road, said he was scrupulous in the use of the electric bike, valued at €2,000, because he was afraid it would be stolen.
“A nice man gave it to me. It was a solid black mountain bike with a Yamaha battery. It was a powerful bicycle with full suspension, the whole lot. It was a lovely bike. I used it sparingly in case it was stolen and used an older bike which they left when they broke into the garage,” said Fr McAuliffe.
The parish priest, formerly of Rockhill-Bruree parish, said it was annoying and concerning as he fears his movements were being watched.
Fr Tynan also thinks he was being watched as crooks struck as he went out for his usual game of cards.
“They broke into my shed. I turned 60 last year and got brand new golf gear as presents. They stole a trolley and clubs - Ping drivers and Callaway irons. They were worth €3,500. They also took my power tools valued at €1,500,” said Fr Tynan.
The culprits, who were driving a white van, also hitched up his trailer before making their getaway with it.
“I was moving house so had it loaded with stuff going to recycling. They saved me the trip to the recycling centre,” said Fr Tynan, with a wry smile.
“It was shocking and upsetting. You feel it is a violation of your privacy - it is disconcerting,” concluded the parish priest. Fr Plunkett's car was stolen while parked on a street. He said it was recovered but the assessor said it was not worth repairing.
Anyone with information on the stolen goods is asked to contact gardaí.