PICTURES: Dungar Mass marks the incredible dedication of the Moloney family

Pictured above are members of the Dungar Cemetery Committee (back) Tom Matthew, Mogar Nica Carroll Kerrins, Alison Sanli-Young, Derek Russell, John Hogan, Sinead Aherne Dooley and Enda Dooley; (middle) Padraig Dooley and Stephen Russell; (front) Patrick Dooley and Donal Tierney. Photos: PJ Wright

Dungar Cemetery, located outside Roscrea on the border of Offaly and North Tipperary, was the setting for a very poignant ceremony last weekend.

On Wednesday night (July 9th) the annual Dungar Cemetery mass took place, on a lovely summer's evening and there was a great turn out as people showing respect for their loved ones.

Following the mass there was a blessing of a monument which was erected in memory of former caretaker of the cemetery Liam Moloney and his father William (Bruce) Moloney. The blessing was celebrated by local Roscrea clergy Rev. Jane Galbraith, Reverend Dennis, Fr Tom and Fr John and included members of the Moloney family, including Liam's sisters Margaret, Rose and Kathleen.

Joe Dooley, on behalf of the Moloney family, spoke of Liam and his father's dedication to the upkeep of Dungar Cemetery for 80 years. Joe also thanked the Dungar committee and local community for erecting the monument in memory of Liam and William (Bruce) Moloney.

Pictured above at the Mass held in beautiful sunshine in Dungar Cemetery are Sacristan Pamela Landy, Fr John Molloy, Fr Tom Corbett, Rev Canon Jane Galbraith and Rev Denis Maguire. Photo: PJ Wright

The Dungar Cemetery Committee would like to thank everyone who continues to help in the upkeep of Dungar Cemetery, and everybody who made financial contributions towards the upkeep of the very picturesque cemetery near Roscrea.

“On behalf of the Maloney family, I would like to welcome you all to Dungar Cemetery and to extend a big thank you to the Priests and Ministers for the beautiful mass and blessing of the memorial dedicated to the caretakers William Maloney and his son Liam”, Joe Dooley said welcoming everyone to Dungar.

Pictured above performing the blessing of the new monument are Rev Canon Jane Galbraith, Fr Tom Corbett, Rev Denis Maguire and Fr John Molloy. Photo: PJ Wright

“William and Liam provided a dedicated and wonderful service to the running and upkeep of Dungar Cemetery for over 80 years.

“It would be remiss of me not to give credit to William's wife, Sarah, and their three daughters, Kathleen, Rose and Margaret, who also gave tremendous assistance in the running and upkeep of the cemetery.

Pictured above with the new monument in memory of the Moloney men Liam Moloney and his father William (Bruce) Moloney are the Moloney sisters Rose Dooley, Kathleen Grimes and Margaret Sullivan. Photo: PJ Wright

“Dungar was always the model and standard bearer of a well-presented cemetery. The professional way graves were presented and lined for the final parting of loved ones was a great source of comfort to relatives. A graveyard is a place of sad memories, but the surrounding trees and flowers always made a visit a source of comfort, knowing that the final resting place was cared for with pride”, Mr. Dooley said.

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“I wish to congratulate and thank the Dungar Cemetery Committee for the wonderful work they have done in presenting and keeping the cemetery in top-class condition.

“Finally, on behalf of the Maloney Family, I wish to thank the committee for their wonderful gesture of erecting this beautiful memorial. It shows that their service of caretaking and love for Dungar Cemetery was appreciated and not forgotten”, Mr Dooley said.