Graveyard thieves leave family distraught over stolen headstone

By Mary Dennehy

THE disappearance of a large, granite headstone from a graveyard in Tallaght has left one family distraught – and raising their concerns over the theft of old headstones for commercial reasons.

The Kelly family, which has been living in Glenasmole for generations, has had a family plot in St Anne’s graveyard in Glenasmole since around 1830.

However, a couple of months back, Charlie Kelly, whose daughter Antoinette Kelly owns the Cottage Tea Rooms in Firhouse, visited the graveyard to discover that one of the two family headstones had vanished.

The headstone has between ten to 12 family names engraved on it, including the name of Charlie’s baby brother who passed away when he was only six months old.

Charlie told The Echo: “Myself and my family are totally distraught over the disappearance of the headstone. We’re all really upset – upset because it is the resting place of some of our family members, but also because it is our family’s heritage and a piece of local heritage.

“This graveyard is an old graveyard that is quite isolated and over the years there has been a few issues with its upkeep and groups using it as a walking route.

“However, the residents up here worked together and got it sorted but now concerns are being raised over the theft of old headstones.”

According to the Kelly family, this headstone was one of the oldest in St Anne’s graveyard, which dates back hundreds of years and is no longer in use.

Alongside the disappearance of the Kelly family gravestone, the head of a life-sized, stone angel has also gone missing, while the railings around the family plot were damaged when the headstone was being removed.

Charlie said: “I really couldn’t believe it when I discovered that the gravestone was gone and the only reason I can think of for its disappearance is commercial reasons.

“I reported it to South Dublin County Council and the gardaí, so hopefully they may be able to find the stone or help to stop any more old gravestones from going missing.

“This graveyard is the resting place of local people and an important part of the area’s history, it should be respected and protected.”

When contacted by The Echo, a spokeswoman for South Dublin County Council confirmed that it has not removed any old gravestones.

She added: “The council is concerned at such activity and is making enquiries in this regard.”