Mum shocked after son’s grave attacked by vandals

The mother of a young man killed in a car crash has spoken of her horror after his grave was desecrated and headstone set on fire.

“It was awful — I cannot believe anyone would do that,” Mary Murphy said.

Gardaí in North Cork have launched an investigation into the attack on her son Michael’s grave outside Castlelyons.

They believe the attack happened between 1pm and 2.30pm on Sept 18 and appealed for anyone with information to contact Fermoy Garda Station.

Michael, 22, and his friend, James Sexton, 19, died on Aug 5, 2007 when the car in which they were travelling hit the pillars of a house at Strawhall, between Fermoy and Castlelyons.

Since Michael’s funeral, his family has lovingly tended his grave, leaving photos, deeply personal letters, Liverpool scarves, and medals — all cherished symbols of his life.

But Mary, who visits the grave daily, was shocked when she saw the damage.

Two angel statues, framed photos of her son playing his last game of soccer, and soccer medals left by his friends were smashed and strewn around.

Gardaí believe the headstone was doused in an accelerant, possibly petrol or lighter fuel, and set alight.

Liverpool scarves, the medals, rosary beads, and teddy bears left by his girlfriend and others by nephews and nieces born since his death, were all torched and destroyed.

Michael’s sister, Bríd, said the attack on what is supposed to be sacred ground has opened old wounds.

“It’s not the damage to the headstone — it’s the loss of the little things that meant so much to who left them there,” she said.

“I don’t think the person who did this realises the pain we’ve gone through. This is extra hurt on top of those old wounds.”

The local parish priest, Fr Gerard Coleman, said there had never been an incident like it in the parish.

“It’s very hard for the family who are very upset by this. People in the community are disgusted at this incident and we hope that whoever is responsible is apprehended soon.”