This article is from page 14 of the 2013-11-19 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 14 JPG
A MOTHER has called for security cameras to be installed at Dumcliffe graveyard after the grave of her infant son was interfered with.
Ennis woman Christine Quinn says she was “shocked” to discover damage to corner of the headstone on the grave of her dead son Patrick Quinn.
Baby Patrick was born stillborn. He would have celebrated his third birthday on December 12.
Ms Quinn believes the damage was caused sometime between 7pm on Wednesday, November 13, and 5pm on Thursday, November 14.
However she thinks the grave may have been vandalised over a number of weeks.
“We have these angels which are glued down to the grave and they were getting knocked down. I thought it was the wind but now I’m not so sure,” she said.
“I was devastated when I saw what happened and so was my husband, absolutely devastated. It breaks my heart. Who would do such a thing?”
The mother of three believes there should be greater security around the graveyard.
“I’d like to see CCTV around there. I was onto the council [Clare County Council]. At least whoever does things like that would be caught,” she added.
A Garda spokesman confirmed on Friday that gardaí in Ennis are investigating the complaint and have inspected the grave for damage.
Clare County Council last night said it had received a
a report of vandalism in section D of the graveyard.
The Council said it recently appointed a registrar who is a regular prescence in the graveyard.
It said CCTV is not being considered at this time but that gates are locked to assist in deterrring anti-social behaviour.
“We will continue to monitor any issues with the burial ground” added a spokesman.