ACTS of vandalism, including attempts to dig up graves, have led to the installation of steel railings on a historic Franciscan abbey in Nenagh, Co Tipperary.
The railings have been erected on the 13th century abbey, one of Nenagh’s landmark historic sites, following acts of vandalism, perpetrated by intruders on its grounds.
Centuries-old gravestones have been broken, and attempts have even been made to dig up three graves in the abbey. The site has also been desecrated with litter, including bottles and cans.
Describing the damage caused, nearby resident, James O’Brien, said it is "a sad reflection" on Nenagh that railings have had to be put in place on the abbey.
"Isn’t it a sad reflection on our town that the Franciscan abbey, which has stood in our midst since the thirteenth century, must now be protected by steel railings to protect it from vandalism and desecration by a few hooligans?" Mr O’Brien asked.
The railings were installed by local businessman, Johnny Cavanagh, of Friary Ironworks following concerns raised by a committee made up of people whose relatives are buried in the abbey.
Centuries-old gravestones have been broken, and attempts have even been made to dig up three graves in the abbey. The site has also been desecrated with litter, including bottles and cans.
Describing the damage caused, nearby resident, James O’Brien, said it is "a sad reflection" on Nenagh that railings have had to be put in place on the abbey.
"Isn’t it a sad reflection on our town that the Franciscan abbey, which has stood in our midst since the thirteenth century, must now be protected by steel railings to protect it from vandalism and desecration by a few hooligans?" Mr O’Brien asked.
The railings were installed by local businessman, Johnny Cavanagh, of Friary Ironworks following concerns raised by a committee made up of people whose relatives are buried in the abbey.