Hole drilled in grave is ‘evil and sinister act’ say upset family
By Aideen O'Flaherty
THE recent vandalism of a grave in Bohernabreena Cemetery, where a hole was drilled through the grave, has been described as “an evil, cruel and sinister act” by the family of the deceased.
Deirdre Smyth, whose father Eamonn Smyth, 85, is well known in the Balrothery area of Tallaght as ‘Mr Lotto’ because of his involvement in the St Aengus’ Parish lotto, went to visit her mother, Mary, and sister Madeline’s grave on February 21 when she discovered a hole had been drilled into it.
The grave vandalised in Bohernabreena Cemetery
Ms Smyth told The Echo that there have been intermittent instances of “interference” at the grave in the last couple of years, including in 2019, shortly after her sister Madeline died, when the surface clay at the grave was dug up and levelled off without the permission of the family.
She added that this has been “extremely upsetting” for her and her father.
The Smyths are appealing to members of the community who may have information about the hole that was drilled into the grave last February to come forward and contact the gardai.
“It’s extremely upsetting,” said Ms Smyth, who was speaking on behalf of her father, as he found the matter too upsetting to discuss.
The grave vandalised in Bohernabreena Cemetery
“It’s an evil, cruel and sinister act”, and has caused so much distress for Eamonn and his family.
“We want to appeal to the community. We feel that someone may have information in relation to this and we hope they might be good enough to come forward.”
Eamonn Smyth
Anyone with information can contact Tallaght Garda Station on 01 666 6000.
A garda spokesperson told The Echo: “Gardai are investigating an incident of criminal damage which occurred in Bohernabreena, Dublin 24 sometime between 18th February 2021 to 21st February 2021.
“No arrests have been made. Investigations are ongoing.”
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