Up to 30 damaged headstones at Dublin’s Bluebell Cemetery have left relatives stunned and saddened. Gardai and Dublin City Council have both started investigations into the vandalism done to the graves at Bluebell Cemetery.
It is reported that the destruction took place over a four night period last week and some of the headstones were left irreparable. According to the Herald, Dubliner Rachel Mangan, who has relatives buried at the cemetery, called those behind the vandalism "scumbags".
"If there's one place that's sacred, it's a graveyard. You just don't disrespect the dead. Our family have a few graves in the graveyard and I would visit the odd time. I was in shock when I saw the damage, and I wouldn't normally go into shock."
Gardai said they are investigating damage to up to 30 headstones in the cemetery between August 24 and 27. "No arrests have been made to date but investigations are continuing," a spokesperson said.
Co-parish priest of Our Lady of the Wayside, Rev Anthony Clancy, said he was disgusted by the incident, "I went to visit the gravesite when I first heard the news and just couldn't believe it. I was and still am in a deep state of shock by the damage caused. So many people have loved ones buried there and it's just too upsetting to talk about. I'll be meeting with parishioners to discuss this situation and find a way to move on."
Francis Timmons a Clondalkin councillor who also has relatives buried at the cemetery is asking for more security measures to be put in place."The graveyard needs to be secured and protected. This is the action of pure scumbags that have no regard for the people buried there or for the relatives and friends who are deeply upset by the mindless actions of these thugs."
Dublin City Council said it is cooperating with gardai and has contacted any families affected by the vandalism where possible.
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