Repair work to start on historic Dr Warnock’s grave in Donegal Town

After much difficulty in establishing who is responsible for repair work to a structure in danger of collapse in Donegal Town, Cllr Tom Conaghan (Ind) has taken matters into his own hands. 

With the cooperation of Donegal Community Chamber, the councillor allocated funding of €3,700 from the Development Fund Initiative for repair of Dr Warnock’s Grave.

Back in May 2021, Cllr Conaghan put down the motion: “That the Heritage Department in Donegal County Council oversee and provide support for the maintenance of the Old Abbey Graveyard, Donegal Town as it holds historical significance and is in a poor state of repair at present.”

However, nothing was done and there are growing fears that the structure which towers over the steps sits at the entrance to the Old Abbey Graveyard could collapse at any time. 

With Cllr Conaghan having announced that he will not be putting himself forward for reelection, he felt that Dr Warnock’s Grave was unfinished business. He was prepared to allocate funding for its repair, but the application had to come from a community group.

The councillor told Donegal Live: “I would like to thank Donegal Community Chamber for coming on board and submitting an application for this funding.

“I am delighted that this work will finally be carried out. The problems there are going on now for years and nothing is happening. 

“It is a danger and an eyesore on approach to the graveyard and old Abbey which is one of the most important historic sites in the area.”

The grave which is decorated with an ornate sundial was paid for by the community following the death of esteemed Medical Officer to Donegal Town, Dr HTA Warnock, in 1930. It was maintained by those members of the community, but has fallen into disrepair in recent decades. 

Cllr Conaghan said: “Back when he was in Donegal, Dr Warnock was so good to the people and I just said, ‘I have to go ahead on my own and get something done about it while I am still in office.’

“I checked with different departments and nothing was happening so I looked at taking this route with the community chamber.

“Happily, we will get something done there now before the summer.

“I thank the community chamber for overseeing it. 

“Brendan Brady - who carried out the recent restoration work on the Four Masters obelisk on the Diamond - will be the contractor. He has a great mix of experience on working on graves and doing conservation work on historic structures.”

The Old Abbey graveyard is particularly significant this year as it is at the very heart of Donegal Town’s 550th anniversary celebrations. Indeed, it was the record of the founding of the Abbey in 1474 that determined the age of Donegal Town. 

“It is great to be getting this work over the line,” said Cllr Conaghan.