Family of man in burial dispute call for bishop to meet them

Family of man in burial dispute call for bishop to meet them
Alison Healy
06/01/2005

The family of a Fermanagh man who was buried without a Requiem Mass have called on the Bishop of Clogher, Dr Joseph Duffy, to meet them to address the issue.

The Requiem Mass for Mr Vincent O'Connor (63), had been scheduled for 11 a.m on Tuesday last week in St Michael's Church, Mulleek but was cancelled at short notice.

The cancellation arose because the family had made it clear that they would be burying Mr O'Connor in land adjacent to the old graveyard at the church.

The land was donated to the parish and had been developed by some parishioners as an extension to the graveyard. Mr O'Connor, from Scardens, Mulleek, had worked on the development and it was his wish to be buried there.

However, the church authorities said this land was not consecrated for a graveyard and a Requiem Mass could only be offered when "a legitimate place of burial was agreed".

The plot of land was once considered by the Church authorities for an extension to the current graveyard. But, in early May 2003, Dr Duffy ruled out the option. The current graveyard is almost at full capacity and the diocese is developing a new graveyard on parish lands at nearby Magherameenagh.

However, some Mulleek parishioners had sought the extension of the current graveyard and were unhappy with the decision to develop a new site elsewhere. They raised money, developed the site themselves and asked a priest to bless it.

Matters came to a head last week when it became clear that Mr O'Connor's family would be burying him in the disputed plot.

Mr O'Connor's daughter, Edel, said local curate, Father Ben Hughes, was due to give the Requiem Mass as planned but it was cancelled at the last minute.

Church authorities secured a court injunction before the burial, stopping Mr O'Connor's widow, Teresa, and his brother, Liam from entering the disputed land.

They stayed outside while the burial was taking place.

Yesterday, Ms Edel O'Connor said the matter was very distressing as her mother still had not been able to visit the grave. The family are now starting legal proceedings.

Yesterday, a diocesan spokesman said unfortunately the Bishop of Clogher could not comment on the issue as it had become a legal matter because of the court order.

? The Irish Times