Sion residents ‘saddened’ by graveyard vandalism

PARISHONERS of St Theresa’s Church in Sion Mills have been left ‘disgusted’ following vandalism at its graveyard.

Earlier this week, it was reported that a number of bottles and cans were dumped in the cemetery, while the benches were covered in spit and vomit.

It was also reported that one local was forced to clean spittle off a memorial bench that was installed to remember their deceased relative.

Local community worker, Andy Patton, has urged people to have more ‘respect’ for the area.

He stated, “We have had issues with anti-social behaviour and vandalism like this in the village over the years.

“However, recently it had stopped but this latest incident has shown that there is still work to do.”

He added, “This vandalism was done over the weekend in the dead of night. People are very upset and disappointed at the lack of respect shown by these people to the churchyard. There is an extra amount of disgust from people who have loved ones buried in the cemetery.

“There is no need for anyone to be in that graveyard at night. I would ask people not to engage in this type of behaviour.”

Also commenting on the vandalism was Sinn Féin councillor Antaine Ó Fearghail, who said, “We have had acts of vandalism at places of worship before in the village, but lately this has taken a turn for the worse with young people using the graveyard as a drinking den.

“Graveyards have long been regarded as sacred places, where people come to bury their dead and visit the graves of family and friends and pray and quietly reflect. Sion graveyard is a very tidy, well laid-out graveyard.

“People would often remark about how tidy it is – not anymore. The graveyard, unfortunately, is no longer a sacred place of prayer and reflection. It is being destroyed by unthinking young people who are desecrating this hallowed ground and intimidating others from using it as a place of prayer and tranquility.”

Cllr Ó Fearghail added that ‘appropriate security measures’ will now be taken to deter those intent on destroying the peacefulness of this sacred place.