Gardaí in Cork investigating a suspected arson attack on a Church of Ireland church in Castletownbere on Tuesday night have ruled out a sectarian motive. The fire was spotted at about 9.30 p.m. and was brought under control by the local fire brigade.
The fire is thought to have been started by someone who gained entry to the church on Main Street by throwing a block through a window.
The Garda said it was following a definite line of inquiry and the Garda Technical Bureau had preserved the scene for further investigation. Sgt Fachtna O'Donovan said there was no evidence to suggest there was a sectarian motive.
The Bishop of Cork, the Rt Rev Paul Cotton, condemned the attack. "What senseless motive can be behind this desecration?"
A spokesperson for the Church of Ireland said this was the first incident of its kind in the area. The Church of Ireland statement also said attempts were made to set fire to the church in three places, including the altar and the vestry room. Gardaí said the roof of the vestry was badly damaged.
"Not only has our small Church of Ireland community on the Beara peninsula worked hard to care for and build up the church," Dr Cotton said, "it has worshipped faithfully there over many years."
He said the damage caused to the church meant it would be unusable for worship and community activities for the foreseeable future. He was relieved the damage wasn't more widespread.
