An Aghavilly family have been left devastated after stones were stolen from the graves of their loved ones.
A representative of the family – who wished to remain anonymous – contacted Armagh I after attending the gravesides of their loved ones at two separate plots in St Mary’s Church graveyard – just outside Armagh – only to find the stones removed.
The woman said the graves would be attended on a Monday and Saturday weekly by family members.
They first noticed the stones were missing on Saturday passed (October 31) and believe they could have been taken any time between the Monday (October 26) and Saturday.
The woman told this publication that she has since replaced the stones at considerable expense.
“They cost around £80 for a small bag. It will take between four and five bags to top it up,” she said.
“We take great pride in the graves and take great comfort in going to them.”
She said her sister, whose husband is buried in one of the plots, was “particularly distressed” when she heard the news. As a widow, it was an added expense she didn’t need, especially at this time of the year.
With Remembrance Sunday approaching, the family had hoped to bring fresh flowers to the graves and have them “looking nice”.
Said the woman: “It’s the last physical thing we can do on this earth for our loved ones is to look after their resting place.”
The family have shared their story with the hopes that others will remain vigilant when attending graveyards and keep a watchful eye over neighbouring plots to ensure they are cared for and protected.
