Statement by Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly on vandalism of statue on cathedral grounds

28 Jun 2019

Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly SMA, Archbishop of Cashel & Emly, has expressed his deep regret at the vandalisation of the statue of Archbishop Patrick Leahy who was archbishop of the diocese from 1857 – 1875. Archbishop Leahy oversaw the construction of the Cathedral of the Assumption in Thurles.

Archbishop O’Reilly said, “Archbishop Leahy was an able scholar and accomplished orator, whose address at the First Vatican Council was widely acclaimed at that time. The statue was unveiled in his honour in 1911 as a tribute to his work on the cathedral and for the Church in Ireland, as well as his popularity as a pastor. I have been moved by the reaction of the people of the town of Thurles, and throughout the diocese, arising from this act of vandalism. It is my hope that the statue can be restored as soon as possible.”

ENDS

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