Gardaí in Co Clare have launched an investigation after ruthless and heartless thugs stole in the region of €8,000 from a church on Sunday night.
It is believed the disgraceful robbery occurred at Ennistymn church when the heartless thieves emptied the contents of dozens of Trocaire Lenten Campaign boxes.
Gardaí say the robbery which also seen the Easter mass collection stolen took place at between the hours of 8pm on Easter Sunday and 10am on Easter Monday.
It is believed the thieves made their entrance in to the church by breaking a window before emptying the contents of a safe in a locked room.
Gardaí say they are appealing for witnesses and are urging anyone with any information to contact them.