Tipperary locals have hit out at the “disrespectful” sight of horses being allowed to wander around a local cemetery while families are laying Christmas wreaths.
Clonmel residents are now demanding that action be taken over an issue which has caused great offence locally – and is in clear breach of guidelines as to the operation of cemeteries.
Strict “no animal” rules are in place for all Irish cemeteries – with the only exceptions being special assistance dogs or horses that are harnessed to funeral carriages.
Horses wandering and grazing in the Clonmel cemetery has become an issue over recent years, but families were upset over recent weeks at the sight of horses in the graveyard in the run-up to Christmas when families are tending graves and laying Christmas wreaths.
In some cases, families were appalled to discover horse droppings and deep hoof prints near graves.
Locals now want a special cattle grid installed at the entrance to the cemetery to prevent stray or wandering animals from accessing it.
Councillor Richie Molloy warned that the issue is highly disrespectful and deeply upsetting for families visiting the graves of loved ones in the run-up to the festive season.
“I would say again to people that would consider bringing horses into a cemetery that it is very, very disrespectful,” he told TippFM.
“A number of older people have approached me on the matter.
“Especially now coming up towards Christmas, more and more people will be visiting the cemetery.”
Councillor Molloy raised the issue at the Clonmel borough council meeting – and warned that, after the issue had repeatedly occurred over the years, firm action now had to be taken with the installation of a special cattle grid.
He has also demanded that council staff visit the cemetery to see the issue for themselves.
“I asked (them) to go down to the cemetery and walk around,” he said.
“They would probably see the evidence for themselves. But it is something, I suppose, we will have to keep a close eye on,” Cllr Molloy added.
“Lots and lots of people visit St Patrick’s Cemetery so I’d say it to (people) that if they have seen any evidence to contact either myself or the council and that would be more evidence to support the idea of a cattle grid.”