The late TJ Sweeney who tragically passed away following a farm accident
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27 Jan 2026
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27 Jan 2026
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Mount St Oliver Cemetery in Crossagalla, Limerick FILE PICTURE
LIMERICK City and County Council has apologised after an administrative error led to a delay in opening Mount St Oliver Cemetery on Christmas Day, a mistake councillors say caused significant distress to grieving families.
Sonja Reidy, Senior Executive Officer, Metropolitan District of Limerick Parks and Cemeteries told members of the Municipal District there was delay in opening the gates to Mount Saint Oliver Cemetery on Christmas Day “as the security company did not attend as Limerick City and County Council did not explicitly request this service on Christmas Day.”
She added that upon review with the security company it has been agreed the requirements for opening and closing over the Christmas period “will be explicitly communicated and confirmed in advance each year”.
In a written reply to a motion submitted by Cllr Catherine Slattery, she said: “I wish to apologise and express our regret at the distress caused to those who wished to visit loved ones on Christmas Day and provide assurances that measures are now in place to prevent a reoccurrence.”
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Cllr Slattery said she received a number of calls and texts on Christmas Day to advise her that the gates of Mount Saint Oliver were not opened.
“This is just scandalous... Some people actually climbed the wall to get in but obviously elderly people could not do this and were very distressed.”
Cllr Sarah Kiely seconded the motion, saying that it was “very distressing” for people. “It's shocking to think that a Limerick tradition like visiting graves and looking after graves for Christmas is hampered by us at the local authority.”
“A big organisation like Limerick City and County Council to do this, lads get your act together. This is a joke... There’s no forgiveness being given here.”
Kieran Lehane, Director of Environment, Climate Action and Fire, agreed the events of Christmas Day should have occurred.
“It was an omission on our part to advise the contractor to be there. It’s indefensible,” he said.
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