Press Releases16 Aug 05

Bishop of Derry and Raphoe condemns desecration of headstones in Clonleigh parish

Desecration of headstones in Clonleigh Parish graveyard, Lifford, Co Donegal

Statement by the Right Rev Ken Good
Bishop of Derry and Raphoe

"I share entirely the distress and shock felt by Dean Hay and the parishioners of Clonleigh at the wanton destruction of headstones in the parish graveyard on Saturday night, 13 August... The eleven badly damaged headstones, many of which are over 200 years old, are an irreplaceable part of the heritage not just of the Church of Ireland but of the whole community in Lifford.

?The Church of Ireland community greatly appreciates the support of Father Kilpatrick, of local councillors and of so many others who have spoken publicly of their outrage at what has happened.?