'How could someone do this to sacred ground?' Limerick woman 'distraught' as father's grave 'destroyed'

A LIMERICK woman says her family have been left "distraught" after extensive damage was done to her father's grave.

The man's gravestone at Mount St. Oliver Cemetery in the city was knocked off its mount, ornaments were destroyed and the wall surrounding the grave was also damaged in the incident which was reported to gardai on Thursday. 

The man's daughter told Limerick Live that the whole family are "distraught" over the situation.

"I couldn't sleep last night over it, it is just desperate. How could someone do this to sacred ground?

"We are so upset and lost. I don't know how someone could do such an awful thing to someone".

The woman confirmed that the incident had been reported to gardaí and video footage from CCTV cameras at the graveyard is being examined. 

"It is heart wrenching. It is going to cost a lot of money to fix it," she said. 

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Gardaí confirmed to Limerick Live that a report had been made to them regarding the incident. 

"Gardaí are appealing for information in relation to an incident of alleged criminal damage to a gravestone at Mount St Oliver Cemetery, Limerick, which took place between 8pm on Wednesday 9th August, and 3pm on Thursday 10th August 2023.

"Investigations are ongoing. Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this incident to come forward.

"Any individuals who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were in the Bawnmore Road area of Limerick between 9pm on Wednesday 9th august, and 3pm on Thursday 10th August, are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.

"Anyone with information is asked to contact Roxboro Road Garda Station, Limerick on (061) 214 340, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station."