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Priest bans refreshments from
graveyards
02.12.13
A PARISH priest has
told mourners they cannot consume food and drink
while visiting their dead relatives in local
cemeteries.
Fr John Walsh also warned Buncrana parishioners he
may remove large gaudy headstones, statues and
trinkets from plots if they do not conform to strict
new graveyard rules. |
Massgoers were
yesterday informed that 25-year old rules governing
the two local cemeteries have been revised to
account for ever-decreasing capacity and new
American-style lawn graves.
They were also told to respect the sanctity of the
cemetery by not eating or drinking or talking loudly
within the grounds.
"Visitors must observe that the cemeteries are
sacred places and act accordingly, avoiding any loud
or boisterous talking, loitering on the grounds or
in any of the buildings, bringing refreshments into
the cemeteries or consuming them on the grounds,"
said Fr Walsh yesterday. |
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Parish priest Fr John Walsh who has
introduced new graveyard rules in Buncrana. |
Parishioners were also
advised not to close any deal with monumental
sculptors without first obtaining prior approval for
their chosen memorial.
“We can’t be having headstones in the shape of
Transit vans and all sorts. People should check
before they spend thousands on the wrong one. It
will be a saving for them in the long run,” Fr Walsh
added.
The maximum height of headstones at the parish's two
cemeteries in Cockhill and Desertegney has now been
set at 4 feet (1.22 metres) with an exception for
Celtic crosses that can rise to 8 feet (2.44
metres). Fr Walsh reminded people that double-width
graves are not available while single graves are set
at 8 feet x 4 feet with a maximum depth for two
interments - except where more are requested.
"The parish reserves the right to prohibit the
erection of any monument, considered as
inappropriate either in material, workmanship or
location or which might interfere with the general
effect or obstruct any principal view of the
cemeteries,” he said.
Funeral directors and gravediggers will be furnished
with the revised regulations.
The town's largest graveyard - St Mary's, Cockhill -
is a sprawling cemetery with headstones of every
shape and size dating back 150 years. The parish has
promoted grass-covered plots since 1989, to allow
for ease of maintenance and upkeep. Local residents
do not have to pay for plots but non-residents can
request a plot at Derry city prices.
Meanwhile, local Catholics have been informed that
they can no longer erect kerbstones, kneel-stones,
surrounds, fences or scatter gravel on new plots.
Any new memorial or other item that does not conform
may be removed without notice. Existing headstones
that breach the height limit will not be removed, Fr
Walsh confirmed. He said all graves should be kept
tidy.
"Vases, flowers, plants, trees, ornaments of any
description, gravel and kerbstones are not permitted
outside the area of the headstone. Any item which
obstructs mowing will be removed, including items
placed on the headstone plinth that project beyond
the plinth." Vendors and advertising hoardings are
also banned in Cockhill and Desertegney cemeteries. |
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