Following an arson attack on Saint Peter’s Church of Ireland Church in Castletownbere, Co. Cork, the Bishop of Cork, the Right Reverend Paul Colton, has issued the following statement:

“It was with great sadness and disbelief that I heard of the attack on Saint Peter’s Church, Castletownbere. Not only has our small Church of Ireland community on the Beara Peninsula worked hard to care for and build up the church, they have worshipped faithfully there over many years. 

"The rector, Canon Paul Willoughby, and the Parish have only recently devised an imaginative future for the Church and community life there. I express my immense sympathy to him and his parishioners.

"I am relieved that the Church has not been completely destroyed, and wish to express my gratitude to the local Fire Brigade and the Garda Síochána.

"The Church will be unusable for worship and community life for the foreseeable future, and the parish will have to find an alternative local venue for worship.

"I am left with the question 'What senseless motive can be behind this desecration?'"

It appears that attempts were made late last evening (Tuesday) to set the Church alight in three places, including the Altar, and the vestry room of the Church (which was badly damaged).