Vandalism at Urnaí Graveyard condemned

The historic and ancient Urnaí Cemetery at Dungooley, Co Louth, just outside Forkhill has been vandalised. One of the major Gaelic Poets of the 18th Century, Peadar O’Doirnan (1685-1769)  is interred there.

Newry & Armagh MLA Liz Kimmins said that the recent spate of vandalism in Urnaí Graveyard has angered many. 

"Stonework around the church was damaged in the incident. Unfortunately, this is the most recent incident to happen, on this historical site, there have been previous issues of anti-social behaviour in the cemetery. These are appalling acts of vandalism and have caused huge anger within the local community". 

Echoing his colleague's sentiments local Councillor Mickey Larkin  said "The Forkhill community have close links with this historical site, Urnaí is the burial place of Peadar Ó Doirnín; his grave is marked with a commemorative stone and our local GAA Club is named after him.

"Those responsible for this attack must be unreservedly condemned". 

It is said that the Church there was founded by St Patrick and it was used as a place of worship in Penal times.