AN ORDER of nuns based in Cork faced some trouble this week as they realised ten wheelbarrows full of apples had been stolen from their orchard.
The sisters, who are based at St Benedict's Priory in Cobh, Co Cork, say the apples were stolen form their 'Bible Garden' orchard on Friday night.
The nuns use the apples to make chutney, which are then sold on to help provide for the upkeep of their convent, and the nuns are said to be 'distraught' following the theft, according to RTÉ News.
Local Fianna Fáil TD James O'Connor appeared on RTÉ's Drivetime where he spoke about the "interesting local news"-- which, it has to be said, is reminiscent of stories about naughty schoolboys in the 1930's.
Happy to join #drivetime shortly from #Cobh with some interesting local news involving the theft of an orchard and the @opwireland coming to the rescue. @podonovan @drivetimerte @CobhNews pic.twitter.com/9BQZqnKuIs
— James O'Connor TD (@JamesOConnorTD) August 11, 2020
"Our understanding is that a number of other gardens in the area have experienced similar incidents over the weekend," Mr O'Connor said, adding that he has been in contact with Gardaí.
However the government have stepped in to help, with Minister for Office of Public Works, Patrick O'Donovan, confirming the department will replace the nuns' stolen apples with those from a government-owned orchard.
Mr O'Donovan added that while the nuns are upset, they are "very aware" that this is a "very minor issue" in the grand scheme of things.
See More: Apples, Cobh, Nuns, Orchard Thieves
