Land sought for development of new Kincasslagh graveyard

Preparations are underway for the development of a new graveyard for the Parish of Kinlassagh, a graveyard that will cover an area from Burtonport to Mullaghderg.
At present Kincasslagh Chapel graveyard is full, the Belcruit graveyard is currently being used and a third graveyard on Cruit Island has some space left in it.
Father Pat Ward, who is based in Burtonport says it is important to plan for the future and to ensure the development of a final resting place for the people of the parish.

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He said: “At most we have seven years left at the graveyard we have. We are up to the last two or three rows of it so it is time for us to have a look and see what is available to us in the parish.”
He said there are many different elements relating to securing land for a new graveyard, such as, parking, road safety, proper access and other planning issues.
“Ideally we would like to have some land very close to the existing graveyard in Belcruit,” he said.
The graveyard at Cruit Island is mostly used by people from the immediate area - people from Cruit, Owey and those who are connected to the area.
“Belcruit takes in Burtonport, Meenmore, Sheskinarone towards Cruit and across as far as Mullaghderg,” Fr Ward said.
The area which the graveyard covers is large and rambling in terms of geography however it is not as densely populated as other areas.
He did add that people have a deep 'grá' to come home to the Rosses to be buried - a tradition which continues.

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People from the Kincasslagh Parish enjoy a deep connection with St Mary’s Chapel. Fr Ward said often times a bride will be agreeable to marry in the groom’s parish because of the chapel, despite tradition.
Efforts are underway to establish a committee to progress this matter and liaise with Donegal County Council who will be to the fore in relation to planning matters. Anyone who would like to discuss the matter of offering land can speak to Fr Ward.