Grave issue for Christian country

AS one who is involved in the upgrading and preservation of ancient churches and cemeteries, your report headlined ‘Coffins brought to graveyard by trailer’ (January 27), while true, really upset me.

I am grateful to Cllr Kevin O’Keeffe for raising the matter at Cork County Council, but disappointed at the response of some members and the report from the Historic Monuments Advisory Committee rejecting Cllr O’Keeffe’s appeal to have the council lay a hard grit surface roadway into Mologga cemetery near Kildorrery in north Cork.

How very sad in a Christian country. I was advised by friends this matter would be discussed at a council meeting on January 26 and made my way there to hear the debate.

I was abhorred at the despicable approach and bad manners of some councillors to a very sensitive matter dear to my heart and to the hearts of many others.

Councillors shouted across the chamber to reject Cllr O’Keeffe’s proposal. A report from the Historic Monuments Committee also rejected the proposal. This to me is rather peculiar procedure that a sub-committee of the council can overrule decisions of the democratically-elected assembly.

These “do-gooders” I cannot understand. They’ll do nothing themselves to help in these matters, but object to others who are prepared to do so. Proper access to Mologga cemetery is a clear example.

“It is an ecclesiastical site and consecrated ground and should receive the recognition proposed by Cllr. O’Keeffe,” remarked deputy mayor, Cllr Noel Collins, who presided.

County manager Martin Riordan was also helpful in his response. Any works at the cemetery would require ministerial consent. Cllr O’Keeffe proposed this be sought.

A ray of hope remains for proper access to the cemetery, pending a reply from the minister responsible, to allow our dead by buried with dignity and respect.

Thanks to all who have helped to date.

Joachim Caddell

Rathcormac

Co Cork