Anger after youths set fire to bushes beside historic church in county Kilkenny

The emergency services were called to deal with a blaze that broke out near the historic Abbey Church in Ferrybank last night.

The fire is believed to have been started maliciously.

Bushes at the rear of the church, which dates back to 1821, were set ablaze.

A local Garda spokesperson told KilkennyNow.ie: “We responded to reports of a bush fire at the back of the church. Fire control attended and put the blaze out with no problems.

“This is an isolated incident.”

Several people took to social media to express their disgust at the actions of those responsible.

One witness described the perpetrators as two female teenagers dressed in hoodies and dark clothing.

One woman commented: “Why are they out ? Is it not Quarantine time? People like them will force a full lockdown, it’s ridiculous.”

Another person commented that the group of youths responsible for the arson are “well known” to gardai and in the wider Ferrybank area.