'A kick in the teeth', bench stolen for second time in award winning Laois town

The Chair of Abbeyleix Tidy Towns has described the theft of a stone bench as “a kick in the teeth” to the community. 

Robbie Quinn was speaking after the stone bench, which was set in concrete on two stone horse heads, was stolen from its base opposite the Main Entrance to The Church of St Michael and All Angels on the Ballacolla Road. It’s thought the bench was stolen on the August Bank Holiday weekend from August 1 to August 4. 

Mr Quinn explained that it was the second to have been stolen from the location in recent years. He said it is “particularly upsetting for the chap who maintains it” for tidy towns.

He suspects a number of individuals with tools and transport would have been involved in the theft. 

“It was a concerted effort to get it out of there because it was set in concrete,” explained Mr Quinn.   

“Chances are it could have been taken to order or, it could turn up at a market,” he said. 

While “in the big scheme of things” it wasn’t the worst crime, Mr Quinn said it was very upsetting because the tidy towns are trying to create nice areas for people in the town and those visiting. 

Abbeyleix Tidy Town’s successes have boosted the profile of the town and Mr Quinn said it has attracted additional visitors to the town.  “We try and create these areas for people visiting the town,” he explained. 

The recent theft shows Abbeyleix is just a normal community like anywhere else with the same problems and issues as other areas, said Mr Quinn. 

Fianna Fail Cllr John Joe Fennelly said “I think I remember one there before and I think it went missing as well.” 

“It is terrible. We are out there volunteering, it is not nice,” he said.  

Pictured above: An image of the area before and after the theft from Abbeyleix facebook page

An appeal was issued on the Abbeyleix facebook page in relation to the theft. 

“The area received a beautiful makeover thanks to Paul in recent months and had become another lovely focal point for walkers. Obviously a focal point for thieves as well which is incredibly annoying.

We will be reporting the incident to our local Garda station tomorrow but in the meantime if you spotted any parked vans or cars acting suspicious in the area please pm us. Likewise if you spot the piece for sale online let us know,” they stated.