Concern over condition of historic Abbey church interior

By Kevin O'Neill

The "sad and concerning" condition of the interior of the church at Athlone's Abbey Road graveyard has been brought to light this week.

Local Fianna Fáil councillor Frankie Keena, who is also chairperson of Westmeath County Council's Heritage Forum, called for action over the condition of the church interior.

While he said he recently visited the site, along with Minister Kevin 'Boxer' Moran and some consultants – who has since been charged with developing 'a masterplan' for the graveyard and church – he described its current state as 'sad and concerning', and in need of immediate addressing.

Cllr Keena also said there is concern locally about anti-social behaviour within the grounds of Abbey Road graveyard and its church.

“Firstly, as a proud Athlone man, it is sad and concerning to see its current condition inside the church walls. I thank the members of the community who raised the issue. It is a beautiful and historic building, and a listed building, so the local authority has a responsibility to maintain its condition,” he said.

Cllr Keena confirmed that funding has been passed by the local authority to upgrade certain pathways on the approach to the church, where members of the public can see an array of headstones lined-up.

However, he agreed that a short-term solution has to be explored for the church interior.

“The church itself has unfortunately become a place for anti-social and unsavoury behaviours,” he said.

“There is an entrance, which is more or less hidden, and I've pointed this out to the local authority. I've asked them to look at ways of managing it better. I will also enquire with the local authority to see if there's anything to be done in the shorter-term, inside the walls,” Cllr Keena said.

Cllr Keena added that his future wish for the graveyard and church is to have it open to the public during the day, but locked-up by evening time.

“There are many measures that have to be taken. It certainly needs cleaning-up, in general, and I will be following up on the matter with local authorities,” he said.

The issue was raised by a concerned member of the public on an online forum last weekend. The member of the public posted a revealing photograph of the interior of the historic church structure.