40 staff from Limerick Civic Trust are on the graveyard shift as they undertake a major clean-up of seven cemeteries in the city environs.
Mount St Laurence, Mount St Oliver, St Patrick’s, St John’s and St Michael’s along with the Jewish cemetery, Killmurray and Mungret are being cleared of rubbish, leaves and debris in preparation for Christmas.
The clean-up is part of ongoing maintenance work by Limerick Civic Trust at the various cemeteries throughout the year with the support of Limerick City and County Council and the Department of Social Protection.
Over recent years, staff at the Trust have restored and repaired 200 graves and tended to more than 300 graves in Mount Saint Lawrence. They have also been involved with the restoration of the Mortuary Chapel at the graveyard along with other monuments and historic features.
Limerick Civic Trust Chairman Donal Creaton said that the end-of-year clean-up ensures that the various cemeteries are presented well and in good order in the run up to Christmas when so many visitors are expected.
He asked that “all visitors to these graveyards do all in their power to maintain them in a condition befitting their departed loved ones”.
Civic Trust Manager David O’Brien said that many areas of the graveyard showed signs of neglect following Covid restrictions.
“Thanks to the great work of the team, the graveyards are prepared and well presented for Christmas visitors and the winter months ahead. The cemetery has many visitors between All Souls and Christmas time, so it’s nice to have it in a more respectful and fitting condition”.
