In
the early 1980's one of the most regrettable incidents of official vandalism
occurred in the Roman Catholic cathedral in Armagh. The sanctuary which was
completed in 1904 was a stunning masterpiece of Italian marble, but on the
pretext of affording the congregation better views of the altar all of this
unique work was ripped out and replaced by a modern granite feature that would
be more at home on the bridge of the starship Enterprise. A few of the more
important pieces were saved and reused in other churches, others ended up
decorating local schools or reused as gravestones. Some found their way into
Armagh gardens and now keep the company of red-hatted gnomes. However, some
as can be seen in the photo below, were simply dumped and left to the elements.
Cathedral Interior destroyed
