Historic cemetery under threat from littering and damage

Concern has been expressed at the deterioration of the historic St John's Graveyard in Kells, parts of which date back to the medieval period.

Local tour guides say they are reluctant to take visitors to the graveyard because of the littering and damage occurring on a regular bas

Calls have been made to Meath County Council to carry out refurbishment works in the graveyard, which is still being used occasionally for burials.

Ina Olohan, a local tour guide, is very concerned for the area which she described as “a very precious, historic site.”

“Many of the graves date back to the 1700s, a lot of work could be done there on local history. There is a medieval tombstone there and many other historic items.

“The graveyard is open day and night. There are no protective guiderails to delineate boundaries or paths so people walk through the graveyard willy nilly and as a consequence, graves are being damaged and dishonoured. It has been used for burials up to recent times.

“Litter is often scattered about including used condoms and beer cans.

“The stone walls, especially at the back, are being undermined with stones loosened and scattered.”

“It is an important historic site, dating back to the middle ages. I believe this site should be preserved for local historic interest, education purposes and as a tourist attraction.

“However as its condition continues to deteriorate it is becoming less attractive to visit and indeed it is quite impossible to bring schoolchildren or tourists there.

“In fact, as a tour guide, I no longer take visitors inside because I cannot know what sights will greet us and I do not want to show them a place that is so disrespected,” she said.

Cllr Sean Drew agreed said that he shared Ms Olohan's concerns. “This is a very historic site and we need to investigate how we can protect and maintain the site.

“As well as being so important historically, people are still buried there occasionally and there are local people who have loved ones buried there.”

Cllr Drew raised the issue at a recent meeting of the Kells Municipal Council and was told a report on the site would be given at the next council meeting.

St John's cemetery is located on the site of what was the Kells Priory Hospital, founded by Walter De Lacy in 1199.

The Hospital of St John the Baptist, as it was called, was a house of the Fratres Cruciferi or Crutched Friars.

In the northwest corner of the graveyard is a crudely carved effigy of a woman wearing a long cloak and a wimple and she is known locally as 'the Abbess'. There are a number of medieval crosses and slabs, including an early Christian cross and a probable 13th century effigal tomb.

Walter de Lacy, who founded the hospital was the son of the famous Hugh de Lacy who was granted the kingdom of Meath by Henry II in 1172. A set of stone steps allows entrance to the graveyard off Headfort Place and the rectangular shaped cemetery is raised above its surroundings.