CRIMESTOPPERS ARE APPEALING for help in finding six paintings stolen from a Co. Galway church.

The paintings were taken in broad daylight, a month ago today, on Saturday, 22 June from St Peter and Paul’s Church, Kiltullagh in Athenry.

The theft is believed to have happened sometime between 10am and 9.15pm and investigators believe the thieves were in the area a week before when the keys to the back door of the church were also stolen.

The six paintings depict the scenes from the third, fourth, fifth, tenth, eleventh and twelfth stations of the cross. Renowned painter and stain-glass artist, Evie Hone, was commissioned to paint the scenes in 1946.

Parish Priest at the Church of St Peter and Paul at Kiltullagh, Fr. Martin McNamara, told TheJournal.ie that “the paintings were the only stations of the cross that Evie Hone ever painted. They hung in the church since 1946 and were never touched until last month”.

“These paintings are of considerable material value, but they are invaluable to the church and to the parishioners,” Detective Inspector Michael Coppinger. “I am appealing to anyone who can help with this investigation to call Crimestoppers today. Perhaps you saw something suspicious on or around 22 June or perhaps you know who is responsible for this crime. I urge you to come forward now”.

Anybody with information can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 1800 25 00 25. You may receive a reward for information which significantly helps the investigation.

Here is what the six missing paintings look like: