Sir, - The recent events which took place in one of the vaults of St Michan's parish church, in Dublin's north inner city, have shocked the whole world, the people of Ireland and Dublin, the local community and parishioners of this historic church.
On behalf of the parishioners, may I pay special tribute to An Garda Siochana, members of the Dublin Fire Brigade (Phibsborough) and the small group of people who assisted in the immediate aftermath of the fire and desecration of the vault. Words are inadequate to thank all concerned, but we are eternally grateful for such speedy action, which has no doubt saved the church and other vaults from being destroyed.
The support and sympathy we have received from people in all walks of life is quite overwhelming. From as far afield as New York, Greece, Nottingham, West Cork, Galway, Waterford, Donegal and of course Dublin, messages of sympathy have been flooding in. It would be impossible for this parish to respond individually to the kindness shown to us. We thank those who have taken the time and effort to express their horror, revulsion and shock at what took place.
The decision at our parish vestry meeting to keep the remaining vaults open for the time being shows, I believe, the resilience of our parishioners and their determination to conquer the evil desecration at the hands of mindless vandals. The historic value of St Michan's Church and vaults should be, and will, continue to be seen and experienced by all who wish to visit.
Let us all move forward from this tragedy where once again, in the tranquillity of St Michan's Church, the mortal remains of parishioners and statesmen, old and young, rich and poor may lie in peace.
A fund to help defray costs has been opened in the Allied Irish Banks, Phibsborough, to receive donations. Sort code 93.22.05 account no. 00163820. - Yours, etc.,
(Canon),
Vicar of St Michan's Church,
All Saints' Vicarage,
30 Phibsborough Road,
Dublin 7.