A DOWNPATRICK man has spoken of his family’s hurt and anger following repeated attacks on his grandfather’s grave.
Anthony Trainor said vandals had knocked over the headstone, the most recent incident discovered on Thursday after they had just paid to have it repaired.
Mr. Trainor said several other headstones had also been targeted, with plant pots and other ornaments at the graves left broken in recent weeks.
“Six weeks ago my mother went down to the grave and saw young fellows fishing at the lough nearby and drinking,” he said. “Following that pots there were broken.
“The most recent incident was last night. I just cannot believe it has gone down again. It cost us £80 a couple of weeks ago to get fixed. Next time it is going to cost hundreds.”
Mr. Trainor said around seven graves in Loughinisland Graveyard had been targeted, and said that it was distressing for the families involved.
“I have reported it to the parish priest,” he said. “Police know about it and are supposed to be keeping an eye on it.
“You can’t blame the police either, though.”
Mr. Trainor said there was a gap in the hedge around the graveyard where it is possible to enter without climbing over the gate, but concedes anybody who is determined to enter can do so.
“If anyone knows anything contact the police,” he said. “When it is your own grandfather you do not mind paying out but it has to stop.
“It is horrible. I really want to name and shame them.”
Local councillor, Anne McAleenan, spoke of her horror after surveying the scene this week with Down Council’s Estates Officer, Tom McClean.
“It is all quite devastating the damage,” she said. “There are quite a number of headstones, some of which are very, very old.
“I want to warn the young ones actually, that if they are caught they will be prosecuted. It is an absolute disgrace. The effect on those recently bereaved is absolutely appalling.”
Councillor McAleenan has appealed for anyone with information at all about the recent attacks to contact police.
“There is really no way of stopping them entering and some look like they may have come by boat,” she said of the graveyard’s lough side location. “But I will be calling on the police to keep a better surveillance of the area. Anyone who sees young ones hanging about, ring the police.”
A spokeswoman for Down Council is responsible for the graveyard and will be carrying out further investigations.