Stop neglect of old graveyard

Stop neglect of old graveyard

27 July 2016

A CALL has been issued for the remains of a derelict Ballynahinch church which was home to Church of Ireland and Catholic communities in the 18th century to be preserved, given its unique historical significance.

Protestants and Catholics worshipped at the former Magheradrool church at the Crabtree Road before the respective congregations moved to new churches built for them in the town centre.

Ironically, the move to the town centre resulted in the close bond between the congregations continuing, with the new Church of Ireland and Roman Catholic churches being built almost within touching distance at Church Road.

The old church was built at Magheradrool in 1607 and used jointly by the Church of Ireland and Catholic communities, with both congregations sharing the adjoining graveyard. The Roman Catholic service was held at the church at 9am, with the Church of Ireland Service starting two-and-a-half hours later.

Little remains of the old church which is located along an obscure farm lane and there are suggestions it was preceded by an even earlier place of worship, dating back to the very early 13th century.

Councillor Patrick Clarke said the remains of the church and graveyard have become badly overgrown and has contacted both the Environment Agency and Newry, Mourne and Down Council for help.

He has also been alerted by a man who has relatives buried in the old graveyard to an illegal dumping issue at the site and hopes both agencies will be able to help.

“The remains of the church and graveyard are located along a lane-way which is not signposted. Given the historical significance of the area, as the church and graveyard were used by Protestants and Catholics, I believe it is important the area is tidied up so it can be preserved for more people to visit. The rubbish which has been left at the site also needs to be removed,” continued councillor Clarke.

“The area has become quite badly overgrown and I am pleased council officials are currently investigating the illegal dumping issue. The waste which has been dumped includes old tyres.”

The Slieve Croob councillor said his research confirmed that the former Down Council was  responsible for the church graveyard, explaining this means Newry, Mourne and Down Council is now responsible for the historic site.

“Urgent maintenance work must be the initial priority alongside the removal of the illegal waste which has been dumped at this site. There is also a need for a new sign to direct visitors to the old graveyard which is currently difficult for people to find if they are not familiar with the area,” he continued.

Councillor Clarke said people whose relatives are buried at the graveyard believe there will be cross-community support to tidy up the area and the provision of new direction signs. He said they are also keen for the location to be better promoted given its unique historical significance.