Suspect identified by gardai after historic Donegal graveyards vandalised

Gardaí have said they have identified a suspect in at least one of the cases after two historic Donegal graveyards were vandalised.

The first incident occurred at the ancient Raymochy Abbey site near Manorcunningham some time between 6pm on Friday, April 19 and noon on Saturday, April 20.

Vandals damaged a number of headstones as well as a sign erected by the local Raymochy Historical Society.

Meanwhile, two headstones were smashed in the graveyard at St Eunan’s Cathedral, Raphoe, sometime between 6.15pm on Thursday, April 18 and 9.30am on Friday, April 19.

Donegal county councillor Donal Coyle condemned the attacks as "an awful scandal on consecrated ground."

He was speaking at the Joint Policing Committee meeting held at County House in Lifford on Friday.

"I am particularly annoyed at what was done in Raymochy Graveyard as a lot of bother had gone into getting funding and the work done and then the information board was totally destroyed.

"It's an awful shame. Graveyards are sacred places," he said.

He said he wanted to know what was being done as part of the investigation into the attacks.

Garda Chief Superintendent Goretti Sheridan confirmed that both are still under investigation and there is a suspect for at least one of the incidents.

"They are under investigation. There is a suspect and we have engaged with locals. The person is vulnerable to a point but it will be investigated," she confirmed.