Bagenalstown cemetery expansion nears completion

THE EXPANSION and upgrade of Our Lady of the Assumption cemetery in Bagenalstown is near completion, a representative of Carlow Co Council told September’s meeting of Bagenalstown municipal district.

While a date for the official reopening has not been announced, Pádraig O’Gorman, council director of services, told the meeting that the reopening ceremony would likely take place in late October.

“I have reached out to the local parish priest and we will also be including a representative from the Church of Ireland. If any members have any other religious representatives that should be invited by all means let us know,” Mr O’Gorman said. “We would see it as a simple ceremony, probably with some blessings and prayers. Maybe a bit of music, we are more than open to suggestions from members.” Councillor Andy Gladney suggested that St Andrew’s Men’s Choir be asked to perform at the cemetery, a suggestion that was met with enthusiasm from his fellow members.

The expansion and upgrade of the cemetery was undertaken because it neared capacity and will see the addition of 1,210 new burial plots. A new double-sided, curved columbarian wall for those who have been cremated has also been installed, 41 new parking spaces have been added and a new main entrance put in place.

Mr O’Gorman said that the council expects the first burial in the new section of the cemetery to take place later this year.