Laois Gardaí appeal after 'terrible' Portlaoise cemetery attack

Laois Gardaí have appealed to the public to assist them with an investigation into the desecration of graves at Portlaoise cemetery.

The gardaí confirmed that an investigation has commenced into the damage done to several, mainly black, headstones, kerbing and other memorials on the graves of local people in what is the main cemetery in the Laois county town.

Gardaí have yet to identify any suspects but believe the attack took place in the early hours of Friday, February 2. A spokesperson said they are working with the cemetery committee to identify and record all the damage done.

Local people were distraught on visiting the cemetery on Friday to find what appears to have been a random act of mindless vandalism to the graves of people some of whom have relatives living overseas.

A relative who contacted the Leinster Express / Laois Live said her family was "incredibly upset" and "how someone could do something so terrible".

Another relative, Ber McEvoy, described an attack on her parents' final resting place as "just heartbreaking". 

The Portlaoise Cemetery Committee reported the attack to Gardaí on Friday as soon as it was confirmed. They have also been working to identify the damage done and contact relatives of the family members as soon as possible.

Apart from the emotional harm inflicted, the committee estimate the families will be hit with expensive repair bills as thousands of euro worth of damage has been done. 

Gardaí appealed to anybody with information to contact them at Portlaoise Garda Station at 353578674100