Vandalism at historic Wexford Graveyard
According to reports from 7 August, extensive vandalism was discovered at Monachán Graveyard in County Wexford, with 18 gravestones and a large stone cross damaged and a Celtic cross smashed from a wall. The locals are distressed by the incident, which was seen as a "horrifying" attack on the history and culture of the community.
In early August, the Monachán Graveyard in Taghmon, County Wexford, was discovered to have fallen victim to vandalism. The graveyard contains graves dating from the 1700s and has served both Catholic and Protestant communities. The damage included 18 broken headstones, damaged ancient crypts, removed granite plinths, a damaged stone cross, and a Celtic cross that was smashed from a wall.
A local councillor described the incident as an "attack on our history and culture," which "cannot be replaced." He stated the vandalism had been "terribly upsetting for the local community."
He further stated that the scale of the damage suggested that the acts were not done "on a whim", but tools such as sledgehammers may have been used over an extended period. The police are investigating and have appealed for information.
Sources: rte.ie, irishtimes
Symbolic Image: Pixabay