On an unassuming country lane at Kilmore, just between Richhill and Loughgall, lies a lesser known burial ground that offers a glimpse back in time.
The Money Hill Burial Ground, up a grass track just off the Ballygarden Road, was formerly a burial site for the Religious Society of Friends, or Quakers, as they are more commonly known.
It was used by Quaker families from the nearby Ballyhegan Meeting House, which was established in 1654.
They used the site for burials until 1793, when the meeting moved to Richhill.
A number of the graves that remain in the ground to this day date from the early 1700s.
The ground since passed out of the Quakers’ hands and is used today by some families who have burial rights there.
Situated on a steep hillside and surrounded by trees, the burial ground has been greatly affected by Storm Éowyn, and a large tree is currently blocking the gate at the entrance.
DUP MLA William Irwin, who owns a nearby farm, is one of the trustees that maintain the ground, made up of a number of local families.
He says that work will be commencing soon to remove the tree blocking the entrance and, thankfully, no other major damage has been reported.
The large beech tree is believed to be hundreds of years old.
Said Mr Irwin: “It’s a massive tree that’s blocked the narrow entrance to the graveyard but we’ve got a couple of guys who are going to try and cut it up. There’s a lot of work and it’s a big undertaking.
“It’s a bigger job than it looks to cut that tree up. Then we’re going to try and get a digger in and reduce the size of the roots.”
He added: “We’re making every effort to get it cleared up but it’s a bigger job than you might think. It’s a few days work sawing up that tree.”
