Vandals used a fire extinguisher to smash three windows during a break-in at St. Catherine’s Church, Camolin,and the damage was only noticed when a caretaker called to prepare the church for Sunday Service.

This is the third time in as many years that vandals have struck, causing repair bills running to thousands of euro, at the small church which is located in the heart of the village.

A parishioner described the damage as “disheartening” and claimed that fundraising will have to take place to repair the windows which are specially designed.

“This was nothing but an act of mindless vandalism because nothing was taken. The window was smashed to gain entry and the fire extinguisher was released inside in the church and the contents were thrown around,” explained a local source.

St. Catherine’s is one of those small churches of historical significance and has served the Church of Ireland community since it was consecrated in 1775. It was enlarged in 1823.

Gardaí at Gorey have confirmed that they are investigating the matter.

A spokesperson said: “There are a number of housing estates around the church and if anybody saw anything suspicious we would appeal to them to go to the Gardaí.”

Full story in this week’s print edition of the newspaper.