'We are dismayed and disappointed' - Shock as Mayo school chapel vandalised
Our Lady’s School Belmullet in North Mayo has published shocking photos of their vandalised chapel and are now appealing for information.
A statement on the school’s social media account says: “It is with great sadness and disappointment that upon my return to work today I feel the need to share photographs of the extensive vandalism that has taken place in the convent and chapel.
We are particularly dismayed to think that people among us could desecrate our beautiful chapel, where religious artefacts, sacred images, stained-glass windows and furnishings have been damaged, and parts of the chapel left in a shocking state of destruction.
This building is much more than bricks and mortar. It is an important part of the history and heritage of Belmullet and the wider Erris community, holding special memories for generations of students, families, staff and the religious sisters who dedicated so much of their lives to education in our community.
To see such a cherished part of our school's history treated with such disregard is deeply disappointing.
This is not simply an act of vandalism against our school. It is an attack on a place of great historical, cultural and spiritual significance to our entire community.
We are now appealing to the public for assistance.
If anyone has witnessed suspicious activity in or around the school, convent or chapel in recent weeks, or has any information that might help identify those responsible, we would urge you to contact the school authorities or An Garda Síochána.
No piece of information is too small, and any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
We know that the overwhelming majority of people in our community share our respect for these buildings and the important place they hold in our local heritage.
We cannot allow such destruction to go unchallenged. These buildings and their history belong to our community, and we all have a responsibility to protect them for future generations.”
The statement is signed off by the school principal Edmund Holmes.