St. Coman’s Church and Graveyard: Set in the heart of Kinvara, St. Coman’s Church and graveyard is an ecclesiastical enclosure that dates from the 11th century, with records suggesting the current structure was built on the site of a much earlier church. It was there when the village grew up around this monastic site. Our ancestors are buried in the heart of our village where they lived. For this reason its existence is part of Kinvara’s rich, proud history, and culture.

Private individuals have now claimed ownership of a section of St. Coman’s graveyard containing at least 27 graves.  To see for yourself, visit the Property Registration Authority (PRA) web site www.landdirect.ie. (You can enter as a ‘guest’ and search for Main Street, Kinvara. Zoom into St. Coman’s church and graveyard.  See the outline of the Folio that includes the graveyard for yourself).

Ask yourself the simple questions: On what basis were private individuals made registered owners of a large section of St. Coman’s Graveyard in which there are documented graves? How can private individuals be given ownership of the graves of Kinvara people?

Ask your local representatives.Get your neighbours, friends and relatives to contact them too, asking the same questions? If you’re on social media such as Twitter or Facebook ask the same question. This cannot be allowed to stand. Please do what you can to help St. Coman’s – the graveyard has survived for so long, we cannot allow the site to be dismantled on our watch?