Locked cemetery causes distress and inconvenience

I write this letter as I am very upset having just attended Mass in my parish of Parteen, Co Clare, and having listened to the priest speak of the month of the Holy Souls, I decided to visit my deceased relatives in Kilquane Cemetery, but it was locked.

The gate at the entrance has been locked for the last six months and access is restricted Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm by collecting a key from a local business, or weekends by arrangement only.

Also trying to enter was a man on a walking stick and a lady, who then had to climb over a style to gain entrance and walk up the long walk to visit their graves. They did not know why the gate was locked.

I tried to get the key but it was not available, I was asked to come back Monday at 9am. I said my prayers for my loved ones on the road outside, a disgraceful situation. 1913 Jim Larkin Lockout, 2013 Kilquane Lockout.

Pat O’Connor

Parteen

Co Clare