A cause for grave concern

GRAVE concern has been expressed over the dilapidated condition of the Crucifixion monument at the entrance to the old cemetery at Lannagh Road, Castlebar, writes Tom Gillespie.

The base of the structure, erected just inside the main gate in 1932 by A. Bernardi of Paul Street, Cork, is disintegrating and needs urgent attention.

Likewise, the monument requires an urgent new coat of paint.

Local historian Ernie Sweeney, who has painted the monument on several occasions, has called on Mayo County Council to restore the structure to its original prestige condition.

He said: "It gives a very poor impression to those visiting the graveyard as this is the first sight to greet them as they enter it. More and more people are visiting the old cemetery now tracing their ancestors and tending to family plots.

"Likewise, the adjoining Mayo Peace Park is a huge tourist attraction, particularly in this the 100th anniversary of the ending of World War One.

"Visitors to the park have to pass by the Crucifixion statues to enter the park and it ill compares with the high standard of the memorials in the Peace Park and Garden of Remembrance.

"The condition of the monument is an eye sore and is not in keeping with the surrounding area. It would not take a lot of effort or finance to restore it to its original state.

“It should now be a priority with the council and I look forward to seeing the necessary works being carried sooner than later."

The inscription on the monument reads: Com-Comluctaí an Croise Ró-Naomte fir agus Mná do bronn.