Dedication of Limerick volunteers lauded at annual burial ground awards

LIMERICK'S burial grounds received county-wide recognition at the 16th annual awards in Caherconlish, with Crecora New Burial Ground and Lismakeera Burial Ground claiming top honours in the modern and ancient categories.

The annual Burial Grounds Awards took place at The Millennium Centre in Caherconlish on October 22. This year’s winners shared in a prize fund totalling €21,000.

In the Ancient category, Drombanny/Donoghmore Burial Ground took first place and the €1,000 prize in the Metropolitan District. Cloontemple Ballingarry, Ardkilmartin, and St David’s Burial Ground were top winners in Adare-Rathkeale, Cappamore-Kilmallock, and Newcastle West municipal districts respectively, with further awards presented to Loughill, Kilmoylan Old, Caherconlish, Kilquane, and The Square, Abbeyfeale.

St Nessan’s Burial Ground in Mungret scooped first prize and €1,000 in the modern category and a Judges’ Choice award of €600 was presented to Dromcollogher Burial Ground.

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Limerick City and County Council acknowledged the dedication of individuals, groups, and associations working to enhance their local communities.

Cllr Greg Conway, who deputised for the Mayor of Limerick at the awards ceremony, said: “We are really fortunate to have so many individuals and groups who take pride in preserving these sacred spaces across Limerick city and county.”

Limerick Council is actively assessing the suitability of potential sites for new cemeteries in the Metropolitan area, in the Adare-Rathkeale Municipal District and in the municipal district of Cappamore-Kilmallock. Works are due to commence on columbarium walls in Castlemungret and Adare Cemeteries. A programme is in place for repairs to 97 ancient structures throughout Limerick – funded by the Community Monuments and Development Funds.