Grave matters in Kilcullen for Heritage Week

A walking tour of New Abbey Cemetery is being planned for Heritage Week 2022 by Kilcullen's Librarian, Julie O'Donoghue, writes Brian Byrne.

The 'Grave Matters' event on Saturday 20 August will start at 2.30pm and will include discussions about graves of interest by a number of speakers — the plan is ten graves with each speaker giving a 5-minute background to the families concerned.

Already lined up is Mary Orford, who will talk about her own family and the Rogans who were distantly related. Tracey O'Dwyer will recall her mother's contribution to community life, and Gerry O'Donoghue will detail the life and times of Fr Nicholas Phepoe, a Parish Priest of Kilcullen who died in 1799.

Billy Redmond will recall the often wondrous life of Arthur Tapley, and Des Travers has been given the mission to find a 'mystery grave' to talk about.

A general talk on the history of the graveyard is also planned.

As other speakers are committed, we'll keep you updated here on the Diary.

The tour will conclude with refreshments and chat back in the Library.

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