A PARISH priest said he feared 'for his me during a terrifying aggravated burglary at a parochial house in Co. Galway.

A four-man gang burst into the home of Fr Patrick O'Brien beside the Church of Mary Immaculate and St Joseph in Caherlistrane at around 9.30pm on Friday.

The raiders tied up Fr O'Bricn, who was alone at the time. A garda spokesman said: "All four were wearing balaclavas and gloves and one was carrying a crowbar."

Alarm

The gang ransacked the house for more than an hour while F1' O'Brien was tied up.

Eventually they fled the scene with a small amount of cash. Fr O'Brien subsequently managed to escape before raising the alarm at a neighbour's house.

The priest, who is originally from Co. Mayo, was not injured,but was badly shook up by the frightening ordeal.
Headford priest Fr Ray Flaherty, a personal friend of Fr O'Brien, visited him after the attack.

He explained: "He was very shook up. He was saying the leader of the gang seemed to have a bit of compassion in him,but there was one particular guy he was afraid of.
"He feared for his life because he was very threatening. The house looked like a tornado had hit it."

Fr O'Brien's home was previously broken into around a month ago while he was saying Mass and the raiders on that occasion took £1,000, which were the proceeds of a Trocaire collection.

Baptisim

Fr Flaherty said that Fr O'Brien was still making sure parish work continued.
"There was a wedding happening today and there was a baptism and he was trying to organise other priests coming in to help. He was trying to get things sorted, that's just the kind of man he is."

Gardai say one of the attackers was wearing jeans and a blue tracksuit top with faded white writing on the front. Two of the thugs were wearing dark tops with jeans while a fourth was described as tall and thin wearing all black clothes.

Anyone in the vicinity of Caherlistrane between 9pm and midnight on Friday who saw any suspicious activity can contact Tuam garda station on 09370840 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.