Divers in West Cork have searched a lake at Gougane Barra in West Cork in a bid to find an altar stone dating back to penal times which was taken from the site of the old church on the island of St Finbarr.
A parishioner noticed the stone was missing a few weeks ago as she was doing a “round of prayers” in the church. Priests in the parish have expressed astonishment at the disappearance of the historical object as at least two people would be needed to carry the heavy “flag stone.”
Local parish priest, Fr Martin O’Driscoll has asked anyone with information on its whereabouts to contact Macroom gardaí.
"It is very sad. It has major historical significance and was there from penal times. It was in the old chapel in Gougane Barra. It is part of the island. It is part of the history. It is part of a prayer round and it was spotted missing by a local woman. Bishop Buckley is very concerned about it as he is a son of the parish. It is hard to know why anyone would take it. We want it back and we want it back soon."
Divers spent Saturday searching the lake in Gougane Barra for the stone. They are satisfied it is not in the water.
Members of the public with information about the whereabouts of the missing stone are asked to contact gardaí in Macroom on 026 20590.