Castlehyde graveyard ‘like a jungle’
Castlehyde graveyard, a location steeped in history with strong connections to the town of Fermoy, is being neglected, according to local man Joe Aherne. Joe spoke to The Avondhu this week about the deteriorating condition of the graveyard, stating that ‘it looks like a jungle’. “I was out there this week and I had to wade through the grass to get to my own parents’ grave,” Mr Aherne said.
“It seems disrespectful to our loved ones that this beautiful resting place would be left in such a bad way. I was annoyed when I saw it. I could hardly find my way through to my own family grave.”
According to Mr Aherne, the graveyard has a rich history noting that its ties to the town of Fermoy are ‘extremely strong’ in a military and civilian sense.
Patrick McGrath of the Connaught Rangers, a notable historical figure, is buried in the graveyard. A Tipperary native who later resided in Fermoy, Patrick McGrath was one of the 70 soldiers who took part in the Connaught Rangers Mutiny in Inda in June 1920 in support of the War of Independence in Ireland. He also joined the Free State Army and resided at Connolly Street, Fermoy until his death.
Also buried at Castlehyde graveyard is Mary Ellen (Ciss) Geaney from Ballyhooly who was 110 and was the oldest person in Ireland at the time of her death in 1996.
Head constable William Neale Rowe of the Royal Irish Constabulary who was killed in the course of trying to arrest the three Kent brothers, William, Thomas and Richard at their home in Castlelyons, is also buried there.
Located in the graveyard is also the ruins of Castlehyde Church, a former Church of Ireland built by the Hyde family.
Speaking with TheAvondhu, Joe Aherne noted that many local family plots are located in the the graveyard.
“Surely the Church of Ireland and the local council could come together and formulate some sort of plan that would keep the graveyard properly maintained. Those who are buried there surely deserve that,” Mr Aherne added.
NOT UNDER COUNCIL’S REMIT
Pointing to Kilcrumper graveyard, both old and new, Mr Aherne noted how well maintained both graveyards are, stating that it is ‘brilliant’ to see the ‘fantastic condition’ that they are kept in and calling for more to be done to maintain Castlehyde graveyard.
Despite having brought the issue to the attention of local councillors and his TD, action has yet to be taken.
“It’s worse it’s after getting. It might only take one or two people two days a week to keep it maintained and have it in a nice manner. I know these are challenging times but maybe, just maybe, we could do something for those that have gone before us,” Mr Aherne insisted.
When queried on the matter, a spokesperson for Cork County Council stated: “Castlehyde cemetery does not come under the remit of Cork County Council”.