Community stands behind family after grave desecration
By Mary Dennehy
THE Tallaght community has stood behind a Killinarden family after the grave of one of their loved ones was desecrated last week in a “cowardly” act, which has resulted in a show of solidarity being organised for this Thursday, August 25.
As reported on Echo.ie last week, there were scenes of devastation in Bohernabreena Cemetery on Thursday, August 18, when Joe and Helen Maughan from Cushlawn in Killinarden witnessed the horrific damage done to the resting place of their son Micheal Anthony Bobby (30), known as Bobby, who passed away in 2008 from meningitis.
Joe and Helen are the parents of missing Tallaght man Willie Maughan (34) who disappeared on April 14, 2015, with his girlfriend Ana Varslavane (21), with the couple last seen in Gormanstown, County Meath.
Since the disappearance, Joe has continuously campaigned for justice for missing Willie and, believing that his son and girlfriend were murdered by a criminal gang, has issued ongoing appeals for information on where the remains of the young couple lie.
Joe, who is well known through his work with Sacred Heart FC in Killinarden and his volunteering efforts across the wider community, told The Echo: “I believe Bobby’s grave was targeted because I keep Willie and Ana’s disappearance in the spotlight, I keep it in the media, and continue to fight for justice.
“What these cowards have done has made me sick, but it makes me stronger and I’ll never ever give up my fight for justice.”
Last Friday, members of the community gathered at the Maughan’s home in Cushlawn to express their support, with Killinarden club Sacred Heart FC, which Joe is connected with, calling off its games as a sign of respect.
This week, a show of solidarity has been organised for Thursday, August 25, and will leave the Maughan’s home at 6.30pm and walk to Bohernabreena cemetery.
Sacred Heart FC is also closing its pitches on Thursday evening to facilitate members who would like to participate in the walk of solidarity.
Joe told The Echo: “The amount of support we have received over the past week is massive to the Maughan family and we can’t thank our local community and the wider community of Tallaght enough for standing behind us.
“We have gotten so much strength from the cards, texts and Facebooks messages over the past few days and from the support shown by the community, local parishes and local councillors like Cathal King [Sinn Féin] and Dermot Richardson [Sinn Féin].
“I would also like to thank South Dublin County Council for its support and quick reaction [in re-instating the grave].”
He added: “I will never stop looking for answers on the disappearance of Willie, especially not now after what these people did to Bobby’s grave – that was the lowest of the low.”
A show of solidarity will meet at the Maughan’s home in Cushlawn this Thursday, August 25, at 6.15pm and leave for Bohernabreena Cemetery at 6.30pm.
Buses will be available to bring people home from the graveyard after.
A number of items believed to have been left by those responsible for the desecration were removed from the graveside last week by a Garda forensic team.
A Garda spokesperson confirmed to The Echo this week that investigations are still ongoing and that anybody with information is encouraged to contact Tallaght Garda Station on 6666000.
