5 days ago
Cork schoolchildren play part in bringing forgotten graveyard back to life
Ballynamona Graveyard, located near Mourneabbey, had been left to grow wild following the decommissioning of the nearby church in 1978. Gravestones were lost and inaccessible to the families and friends of those buried on the site, following decades of neglect.
However, in April of last year, a voluntary group was formed to finally get the graveyard back into shape and restore the rightful respect for those buried in the area, with the group focused on removing all the wild overgrowth of saplings and weeds.
Meeting every Tuesday evening, the volunteers made huge inroads in clearing and cleaning the graveyard, while also receiving grants from both Cork County Council and the National Heritage Council, working with council archaeologists and conservation officers. The group also thanked Councillor Liam Madden for his guidance and support.
In November 2024, prayers at the graveyard were said by the local Church of Ireland minister, Rev. Meurig Williams, who joined with Rev. Fr. Anthony Sheehan in the ceremony.
One lady who was present was the last child to have been baptised in Ballynamona Church, 40 years on from its decommissioning.
Now, the next generation will be rewarded for their part in the project. Having made presentations to the local national schools on the heritage associated with the church and graveyard, the group organised an art competition as part of the presentation, with the theme of 'Keeping Memories Alive'.
To celebrate National Heritage Week, two children from both schools were selected to place a stone in a wall currently being reconstructed on Monday (August 11), under the stewardship of the stonemason.
While in a busy week, the group will also be hosting an information morning at Mourneabbey Community Centre on Saturday, 16 August, from 11am to 1pm.
A presentation and display of the work and achievements to date will take place, while prizes for the art competition will also be presented.
The group say they hope their work will allow local people to 'enjoy the opportunity to continue their own unique relationship with Ballynamona Graveyard and make a renewed connection with preserving it for future generations'.
