A local councillor has called for action to stop the vandalism of gravestones in Athlone.
The issue was brought before the most recent meeting of the Athlone-Moate Municipal District.
Councillor Frankie Keena explained that he has received reports from members of the public that gravestones have been defaced inside the church in Abbey Road Graveyard
The graveyard is a listed site dating back to the 1600's with the church built by the Franciscans
Councillor Keena describes the act of vandalism on the headstones as incredibly disrespectful and is calling for urgent measures to be put in place to stop it.
"I would be in favour of following through the full consequences of the law in relation to this. It's just sad, it's not good enough, and these people who think it's fun to do this, I'd love to catch them, I'd absolutely love to catch them, and if anybody knows who these people are, if they want to contact me, I'm on Facebook and social media, give me a shout please because I would love to catch those vandals".
