PICTURES: A Tipperary town unveils new cemetery marking a milestone moment for locals

Fethard marked the official opening of its new ‘Fethard Lawn Cemetery’ located on Killenaule Road on Monday, March 30th, marking a significant addition to the town’s community infrastructure.

The site is located beside the old graveyard in Fethard and was inaugurated in the presence of senior members of Tipperary County Council, local councillors, clergy, residents, and representatives of local civic groups.

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Denis Holland, senior engineer with Tipperary County Council, opened the event, framing the cemetery inauguration as the opening of a “community facility.”

Guests included John Carroll, Cathaoirleach of the county council; Michael Murphy, TD and chairman of the Oireachtas Transport Committee; and Carrick-on-Suir district councillors led by David Dunne. Parish council members, historical society representatives, landowners, and contractors were also present.

In his address, Mr. Holland reflected on the historical significance of Fethard, noting its often underappreciated role in the history and development of County Tipperary.

He described Fethard as a mural town, with a medieval town wall dating back to the late 13th century, and highlighted its political history, including its representation by Members of Parliament until the Act of Union in 1801. One of the last MPs, he noted, lost his life at the Battle of Waterloo.

Mr. Holland also referenced recent community developments, including the opening of Fethard Town Park in 2023, before concluding: “So that brings us all to today, where we are to open a cemetery. While not an amenity, it is certainly a community facility.”

Following the opening remarks, the local clergy - Father Liam Everard, Father Henry McNamara, and Father Dean James Mulhall - performed a blessing of the cemetery, invoking prayers for peace and remembrance.

Councillor David Dunne then delivered a speech emphasizing the importance of the cemetery for Fethard’s community and thanking all those involved in its development. The ceremony concluded with photographs of attendees and officials, capturing the moment for the town’s history.

The opening of Fethard Lawn Cemetery, beside the town’s historic graveyard, is a reminder that community facilities need not be grand to be significant. As Denis Holland noted during the ceremony, while a cemetery may not be a traditional amenity, it is nonetheless a vital part of community life.

The new grounds provide a space for remembrance and reflection for the local community, linking generations past and present, while reinforcing Fethard’s identity as a town mindful of its heritage.

From the medieval town walls to the modern Town Park, the cemetery adds another layer to a town that balances history with the needs of its residents, marking a quiet but meaningful milestone in Fethard’s ongoing story.

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