Longford gardaí launch investigation after vandals desecrate grave

Several solid marble ornaments belonging to the final resting place of well known Longford traveller Martin Nevin, were left shattered and strewn across the ground of Ballymacormack Cemetery following the incident on Wednesday evening.

It is the second time the grave has been targeted by vandals following an incident four years ago, causing an estimated €16,000 worth of damage in the process.

Mr Nevin, who was from Longford town, passed away in April 2012 at the age of 78.

A spokesperson for the Nevin family said they are at a loss as to explain who might be behind the latest attack, but stressed it was not part of any ongoing feud.

“It was four years ago today that something like this happened,” said the spokesperson.

“His (Mr Nevin’s wife) is in St Joseph’s and is not at all well, but this would break her heart if she knew.”

The family have also called for better lighting and security to be installed at the graveyard, saying it could have been a preventative measure in warding off potential criminal elements.

“Why is Longford one of the few counties in this country with no public lighting or CCTV up there?” asked the spokesperson.

“We should be looking after our dead. It’s not good enough.”

The spokesperson for the family who declined to have her name published, said the damage caused could be in the region of €10,000.

“The last time it was done, there was €16,000 to €18,000 worth of damage and only for that a collection was made in the family and traveller community, I don’t know what would have happened.

“I just don’t know what’s going to happen this time.”

A garda spokesperson confirmed detectives had launched an investigation into the incident.

“Gardaí attended an incident of criminal damage that occurred in the Ballymacormack area of Co Longford on 7th December 2022,” said the spokesperson.

“No arrests have been made and investigations are ongoing.”