Grime Of The Cemetery

Sheena & Pam

s gardens of rememberance go, Delgany’s Ancient Burial Ground is hard to beat.

Tommy Mc Mackin & Neil Grace

Right in the middle of the village, it’s been central to Delgany’s identity right from the day that very first bucket was kicked.

Whenever the heck that was.

And the good thing is, there are no plans to slap any houses here. For now.

Out in force on this surprisingly sunny December day, the Delgany Tidy Towns gang were busy making sure that our dearly departed knew that although they may be gone, they’re still far from forgotten.

Under the guiding light of Lailli De Buitlear – the keeper of the Ancient Burial Ground for many a year now – and with more than a little inspiration from whipping boy Neil Grace, the gang rolling up their sleeves today included Pam Cleary, Sheena Gogarty, Noel McMullan, Patti Schnably Shields, Tommy Mc Mackin and Mick Hannon.

Missing in action when we swung by was Conal O Driscoll. Who had, we’re told, gone out to get mixers.

Having just escaped from The Land Of Trump, young Patti couldn’t be happier to be helping keep this village landmark spick agus span. “There are just not as many markers of civilization like this in the US, and knowing that the Old Church itself was built long before Christopher Columbus was even born is just amazing to consider for me as an American abroad.

“I happened to be weeding around the granite font at the entrance to the churchyard, which I found out today was purchased originally for three shillings and sixpence in 1668!”

And that’s relatively recent, given that this graveyard first opened its gates back in the 7th century. That’s A.D.. As far as we know.

You can find out more about Delgany’s history here, about the Ancient Burial Ground here, and join the gang by emailing delganytidytowns@gmail.com.

Patti Schnably Shields Tommy Mc Mackin, Gabriel Dooley, Noel McMullan, Neil Grace, Mick Hannon

That light…

Some things are written in stone…

Hard at it…

Tommy Mc Mackin & Mick Hannon

Looking good…

Noel McMullan

Some things are written in stone…

Patti & Pam

Beautiful…

Dark shadows…

A job well done

Once again, you can find out more about Delgany’s history here, about the Ancient Burial Ground here, and join the gang by emailing delganytidytowns@gmail.com.