Cork cemetery wall for urns containing ashes looks like 'it was thrown up', says councillor

Labour's Ronan Sheehan has called for the columbarium wall at St Gobnait’s Cemetery, Mallow, to be redesigned and relocated

Fianna Fáil councillor Gearoid Murphy said the columbarium wall is 'five feet from existing graves'. File picture: Pexels

An emotional appeal has been made to redesign and relocate a recently erected columbarium wall in a Co Cork graveyard that looks like "it was thrown up".

The design of the wall, which holds urns containing ashes at St Gobnait’s Cemetery, Mallow, was raised at a council meeting by Labour's Ronan Sheehan. 

He urged officials to have it redesigned and moved to a more spacious area within the cemetery “to provide a more dignified and respectful space for the community to memorialise and visit their loved ones". Mr Sheehan said he “didn’t bring the motion lightly”, pointing out that he has relatives buried in the graveyard.

“There’s an obvious need to have these [walls] in all graveyards now as around 25% of people get cremated. But I’m really disappointed with the quality, design and location. A good few people have said it to me including a local undertaker,” he said.

Made of precast concrete, Mr Sheehan said the pebbledash isn’t sticking properly and you could open the doors with a spanner.

“It looks like we threw it up in a bit of waste ground. I want to know why we set our standards so low. I have looked at other ones in Cork and Kerry and they are far better. 

"It should be something we are proud of. I beg ye, it’s never too late to do the right thing,” he told officials at a meeting of the Kanturk/Mallow Municipal Council.

Fianna Fáil councillor Gearoid Murphy echoed Mr Sheehan’s sentiments and also asked officials for a re-think.

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Officials said they had plans to upgrade the surrounding area by adding a water feature "to provide a soothing atmosphere conducive to quiet contemplation." But Mr Sheehan said its current location in the cemetery was unsuitable.

“You can’t make it more spacious where it is. It’s five feet from existing graves. I don’t believe these improvements will create a peaceful environment. I ask again please do it right,” he added.

Officials then agreed to re-examine the issue and provide a report that the municipal district’s meeting next month.

They also said they are carrying out a review of the capacity left in all graveyards in the region after Fianna Fáil councillor Ian Doyle said there needs to be an extension at the one in Tullylease.