An Aghavilly family has been left devastated after stones were stolen from the graves of their loved ones at St Mary’s Church graveyard, just outside Armagh.
A family representative, who wished to remain anonymous, contacted Armagh I after relatives visiting two separate plots discovered that the stones had been removed.
The graves are visited by family members every Monday and Saturday. The missing stones were first noticed on Saturday, October 31, and the family believes they may have been taken at any point between Monday, October 26, and that Saturday.
Family facing the cost of replacing the stones
The woman who spoke to the publication said she had since replaced the stones at considerable expense. She explained that a small bag cost around £80 and that between four and five bags would be needed to top up the graves.
“They cost around £80 for a small bag. It will take between four and five bags to top it up,”
She said the family took great pride in caring for the graves and found comfort in visiting them. Her sister, whose husband is buried in one of the plots, was described as particularly distressed when she learned what had happened.
As a widow, she was left facing an unexpected expense at a difficult time of year. With Remembrance Sunday approaching, the family had hoped to bring fresh flowers and ensure the graves were looking their best.
“We take great pride in the graves and take great comfort in going to them.”
Appeal for vigilance at local graveyards
The family has shared its experience in the hope that other people will remain vigilant when visiting graveyards. Relatives are also asking visitors to keep an eye on neighbouring plots so that any damage, theft or disturbance can be noticed and reported.
The woman said caring for the resting place was the last physical thing the family could do for their loved ones.
“It’s the last physical thing we can do on this earth for our loved ones is to look after their resting place.”