The 16th annual Burial Grounds Awards took place at The Millennium Centre in Caherconlish on Wednesday night (22 Oct).
Limerick City and County Council proudly acknowledged the unwavering dedication and valuable contributions of individuals, groups, and associations working to enhance their local communities.
This year’s winners shared in a prize fund totalling €21,000.
In the Modern category, Crecora New Burial Ground was the overall winner. Lismakeera Burial Ground took the overall prize in the Ancient category.
Cllr. Greg Conway, who deputised for the Mayor of Limerick at the awards ceremony, commented:
“While enhancing the quality of life of our residents, we cannot forget about providing dignity, compassion and grace to those who have left us, and their loved ones. That is what this evening is about. This ceremony is held each year by Limerick City and County Council to celebrate and mark the work undertaken by voluntary groups maintaining burial grounds on our behalf. Indeed, 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 City and County Council remain committed to engaging with community groups on developing burial grounds.
In September of this year, we officially opened the Reilig Mhuire Burial Ground Extension in Askeaton. The burial ground is being developed on a phased basis, with Phase 1 providing 292 burial plots and 41 ashes plots. Once fully developed, the extension will have the capacity for 1,300 grave spaces and 164 ashes plots.
Columbarium Walls in Kilmurry Cemetery are also nearing completion; these structures are designed to hold cremation urns. This new facility will represent peace of mind for families in this community.
Limerick City and County Council is also 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.
Full List of Winners:
Winners in Modern Category
Metro
1st: St. Nessan’s Burial Ground, Mungret - €1,000
Adare/Rathkeale MD
3rd: St. Mary’s Burial Ground, Ballingarry - €600
2nd: Kildimo Burial Ground - €800
1st: Croagh New Burial Ground - €1,000
Cappamore/Kilmallock MD
4th: Effin Burial Ground - €500
3rd: Patrickswell, Lough Gur Burial Ground - €600
2nd: Meanus Burial Ground - €800
1st: Old Pallas Burial Ground - €1,000
Newcastle West MD
3rd: Relig Ide Naofa, Abbeyfeale - €600
2nd: Monagea Burial Ground - €800
1st: Ardagh Burial Ground - €1,000
Prizewinners in Ancient Category
Metropolitian District
1st: Drombanny/Donoghmore Burial Ground. - €1,000
Adare/Rathkeale MD
3rd: Loghill Burial Ground - €600
2nd: Kilmoylan Old Burial Ground - €800
1st: Cloontemple Ballingarry Burial Ground - €1,000
Cappamore/Kilmallock MD
4th: Caherconlish Burial Ground - €500
3rd: Kilquane Burial Ground - €600
2nd: Mongfune(Ballinure) Burial Ground - €800
1st: Ardkilmartin Burial Ground - €1,000
Newcastle West MD
3rd: Monagea/Glebe Burial Ground - €600
2nd: The Square Burial Ground, Abbeyfeale - €800
1st: St. David’s Burial Ground, Newcastle West - €1,000
Judges Choice Best Burial Ground not placed – Dromcollogher Burial Ground - €600
