Chai Brady
The damaged front doors of the Church The Diocese of Kerry is “shocked” after an ice-cream van ploughed through the gates of a church and through its entrance in Tralee last night causing extensive damage.
The vehicle is believed to have been travelling at speed as it crashed through the locked iron gates of St John’s Parish Church and through the front doors and inside porch doors.
The incident took place after 9pm last night (June 28) on Castle Street in the town centre.
No one was injured and Masses will continue as usual with the side entrance being used instead.
Fr Francis Nolan issued a statement saying: “We are all very shocked that this has happened!
“However, we are glad that nobody has been hurt.”
“The Gardaí are investigating the incident. Damage is limited to the entrance of the Church and we are confident this will be restored to normal as soon as possible. Our prayers and thoughts are with anyone affected by this incident.”
Gardaí were called to the scene at approximately 9.30pm last night.
According to the Garda press office “the van failed to remain at the scene and was stopped minutes later at Gallowsfield, Tralee”.
The driver of the van, a man in his mid-50s, was arrested and brought to Tralee Garda station. An imitation firearm was also discovered.
St John’s Church, which was completed in 1861, is one of Tralee’s best-known landmarks and is adjacent to the town park.
The man underwent medical assessment at the Garda station and was detained under the Mental Treatment Act.