Decision to discontinue necrology wall in Glasnevin welcomed by local councillors

The news that the controversial necrology wall at Glasnevin Cemetery is being discontinued was welcomed by two local councillors in the area, both of whom protested and objected to the installation of the wall five years ago.

The wall, which remembers those who died in the 1916-1923 revolutionary period of Irish history, has been vandalised several times since being erected.

“We understand that the board of the Dublin Cemeteries Trust took the decision after an “extensive debate” and we are very much of the opinion that the correct decision was made” councillor Nial Ring said.

“In some quarters this decision is being described as a victory for those who vandalised the wall three times since it was built, but we see it as a victory for common sense and most importantly a victory for those of us who revere, admire and respect those who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of our country” councillor Cieran Perry said.

“When visiting my father’s and grandfather’s grave (my grandfather and his four brother all took part in the Easter Rising in 1916 as part of the GPO Garrison) in the cemetery I had to walk past this wall and it always saddened me to see the names of the Volunteers and citizens who died during the conflict hand in hand with those whose role was to suppress our fight for freedom and continue the oppression of our people” Ring said.

“We all understand and support the need for peace and reconciliation but the concept of the necrology wall did nothing to advance this – there are better ways” Cllr. Perry concluded.