Investigation into damage at Mayo cemetery

INVESTIGATIONS are continuing into damage at a central Mayo cemetery.

Castlebar Councillor Ger Deere has condemned what appears to be an act of vandalism to a number of headstones in Keelogues Cemetery in recent weeks.

He said the apparent vandalism is being investigated by An Garda Síochána.

Councillor Deere visited the cemetery with a cemetery committee member to see first-hand the damage done.

He explained: “In total, five headstones appeared to be forcefully pushed off the foundations of the graves and subsequently smashed. All of these headstones were erected decades ago.

“A very hard-working committee have done trojan work in renovating and enhancing the cemetery, which is of hugely historical significance.

“This alleged act of vandalism has been hugely upsetting for the committee and families who have loved ones buried in the cemetery. I am very shocked and disappointed that something like this should occur.

“I am appealing to anyone with any information to contact Castlebar Garda Station.”