Gardaí are investigating after a Catholic oratory and cross were daubed with swastikas.

Volunteers who look after the oratory at Cnoc a Chomórtais or Scouthea Hill outside Clonmel, Co Tipperary, discovered it had been vandalised when they arrived to make preparations ahead of the annual August bank holiday Mass.

Volunteer Tony Cronin said they were “shocked” to find the Nazi insignia spray painted a number of times on the tiny religious structure.

Clonmel parish priest Fr Michael Twomey said he believed it was a “sad act of vandalism from some disturbed individuals”.

“Sadly, there has been other vandalism in past years, including oil poured upon the altar area and fencing damaged,” he said. “But this incident has deeply saddened and shocked many parishioners and the people of Clonmel as a whole – young and old.”

Local Independent TD Mattie McGrath said: “Some people are suggesting that wayward young people are behind this, but I don’t agree. I think it is something more sinister.”