Bench near church stolen

THE theft of a heavy stone bench near a Laois church has caused annoyance and disbelief among locals.

The unusual bench, featuring a stone seat on two sculpted horse heads, apparently disappeared during the August bank holiday weekend.

The landmark bench was located in Tullyroe on the Ballacolla Road near Abbeyleix, opposite the main entrance to The Church of St Michael and All Angels.

The white bench was the centrepiece of a lovely landscaped area, which is beautifully maintained by local people and was given a makeover in recent months.

The theft has been reported to gardaí, after a follower brought it to the attention of the Abbeyleix community group. The culprit would have required transport to remove the heavy item.

Appealing for information on Friday 8 August, the group said on the ABBEYLEIX social media page: ‘According to local reports, we reckon the bench may have been removed in or around the August bank holiday weekend, 1-4 August, we reckon between Saturday morning and Monday evening.

‘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.’ 

The group asked anyone who noticed unfamiliar vans or cars parked in the area over the bank holiday weekend to contact the page. They added: ‘Likewise, if you spot the piece for sale online let us know.’ 

Anyone who noticed suspicious activity in the area is asked to contact Abbeyleix gardaí at 057 8730580.