Appeal for information after vandalism at north Mayo school chapel

Information is being sought after extensive vandalism at the convent and chapel at Our Lady’s Secondary School, Belmullet was discovered today.

Principal Edmund Holmes shared photographs on social media of the damage after returning to work.

Religious artefacts, sacred images, stained-glass windows and furnishings were damaged.

Parts of the chapel were left in a state he described as shocking.

“This building is much more than bricks and mortar,” Mr Holmes said. He described it as an important part of the history and heritage of Belmullet and the wider Erris community.

It holds special memories for generations of students, families, staff and the religious sisters who dedicated much of their lives to education in the area.

He called the incident “an attack on a place of great historical, cultural and spiritual significance to our entire community”.

Mr Holmes is appealing to the public for assistance.

Anyone who saw suspicious activity in or around the school, convent or chapel in recent weeks, or who has information that could identify those responsible, should contact the school authorities or An Garda Síochána.

“No piece of information is too small,” he said.

“We cannot allow such destruction to go unchallenged,” he said.

“These buildings and their history belong to our community, and we all have a responsibility to protect them for future generations.”