Mysterious Ways

St Mochonog’s Kilmacanogue

he lady has been standing watch over Kilmacanogue’s St Mochonog’s Church for over 100 years.

On Monday evening though, the town’s five-foot statue of the Virgin Mary was gone.

Given the size and weight, it is believed that more than one person would have been involved in its theft, with the statue having been dragged down the steep bank from its pedestal in the shadow of the church.

The curate of Kilmacanogue, Fr Hyacinth Nwakuna, told The Irish Mirror, “I don’t know who would take it. It’s just absolutely shocking. We are hoping to get it back in one piece.”

To this end, the curate is appealing to whoever took it to “do the right thing” and bring it back.

On the positive side, no debris from the statue was found at the scene, suggesting that the 100-year-old artefact is indeed still in one-piece.

For many in the area, the grotto has long been a focal point for the town, with the smaller statue of St Bernadette now staring at an empty pedestal.

Bray Garda have appealed to anyone who may have information on the theft to contact them on 016665300.