Priests’ houses burgled while celebrating mass

THE PRIESTS’ houses at St Kevin’s Church in Kilnamanagh were burgled on Sunday at around lunchtime, and a sum of cash is believed to have been taken.

Parish priest Fr Frank Drescher was celebrating Mass in Kinsgwood when the burglary of his home, and an adjoining home belonging to retired priest Fr Dick Corry, occurred.

“My front door was broken open and someone stole my wallet and went through my stuff,” Fr Drescher told The Echo.

“I was saying Mass in Kingswood at 12 o’clock, so they knew I wouldn’t be in the house and used the opportunity to smash the glass on my front door and let themselves in.

“They also went into my neighbour Fr Dick Corry’s house. No one was injured, there was only material damage.

“What shocked me and most of the parishioners is that priests’ houses aren’t even safe anymore. It’s quite shocking and upsetting.”

A garda spokesperson told The Echo: “Gardaí are investigating following reports of a burglary and incident of criminal damage at a premises in Kilnamanagh on Sunday, November 26, 2023.

“A sum of cash is believed to have been taken. Enquiries are ongoing.”

Fr Drescher is appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the burglary to contact Tallaght Garda Station on 01 666 6000.