ACTING bishop Mgr Brendan Byrne, who was viciously assaulted by cowardly thugs last week, bravely turned up to celebrate Mass the following morning.
Mgr Byrne was left battered and bruised after he was pounced on by three attackers looking for the key to a safe in his home at Shroughan, Tullow last Tuesday.
Carlow’s most senior cleric, who was out for the evening, was dropped home at 10pm and opened his front door to find the three men in his house.
Gardaí believe the gang also carried out a spate of burglaries, including ransacking two churches in Clonegal and one in Ballon.
Speaking to The Nationalist, Mgr Byrne reassured parishioners that he was “fine”.
“It’s all over and behind me – I’m working away,” he said, despite the horrific ordeal in which he was attacked from behind, thrown to the floor, punched and left with swollen lips and bruising to the face and body.
“I’ve had marvellous support from my friends, family, neighbours and parishioners,” said the 76-year-old. “It is certainly appreciated.”
Mgr Byrne said the attack “lasted only minutes”.
“I returned to the house and they were there; they were looking for the keys to a safe, but thank God they didn’t get them.”
The thieves did steal Mgr Byrne’s mobile phone, watch and wallet before leaving the house.
According to a garda spokesperson, Mgr Byrne’s home was “torn asunder” and “every single room in the house was ransacked”.
Gardaí were alerted when Mgr Byrne’s personal alarm was activated and believe that the men knew what they were looking for and were aware that Mgr Byrne was a member of the clergy.
The three culprits are believed to be in their 20s and one of the men spoke with a Dublin accent.
“I’m back in the house now,” admitted Mgr Byrne. “But I’m not looking for any more visitors!”