Call for plaque at historical burial site

Local history enthusiast Anthony Kerrigan has formally written to Kerry County Council proposing the installation of a commemorative plaque or historical marker at the unmarked Moyeightragh Burial Ground in Killarney, and is calling on Killarney Advertiser readers to back the initiative.

The ancient site is said to be in the vicinity of of Lewis Road and Fitzgerald stadium

The sacred site, registered under Monument Record KE066-068002, sits in the vicinity of Lewis Road and the Fitzgerald Stadium footprint. In his letter to council officials, Kerrigan explained how the landmark faded from view over generations.
“Historical mapping shows that this ancient burial ground was progressively built over and divided following the construction of Lewis Road in the 1850s and subsequent urban developments,” Kerrigan wrote. “While the site is completely invisible on the surface today, it remains a designated archaeological monument where subsurface human remains are protected in situ.”
Kerrigan highlighted that recent discoveries underscore the risk of the location being forgotten entirely, noting how the displacement of significant artefact, such as the 18th-century Margaret Shea grave ledger uncovered nearby during Park Road archaeological testing in 201, illustrates how vulnerable the memory of the site is to the passage of time.
Advocating for a permanent marker near the site, Kerrigan explained the cultural importance of recognising those buried there.
“As a matter of community respect, civic pride, and historical preservation, I believe a modest, non-invasive plaque or information board should be placed nearby,” he stated. He noted that such a marker would serve to honour past generations of Killarney citizens, educate visitors about the town’s shifting landscape, and prevent the total erasure of the designated heritage asset from local consciousness.
Kerrigan pointed out that the proposal aligns directly with the core objectives of the Department’s Community Monuments Fund regarding the enhancement and public accessibility of archaeological monuments. He expressed a desire to coordinate with the Council’s Heritage Office, the Burial Grounds Section, and local history groups like the Kerry Archaeological and Historical Society to ensure appropriate text and placement.

Tributes have been led by the Hugh O’Flaherty Memorial Society following the passing of former Supreme Court Judge Hugh O’Flaherty.

A native of Cahersiveen, Judge O’Flaherty was a nephew of the famous Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty, who saved thousands of lives during World War II.
Since the formation of the Memorial Society in 2008, Judge O’Flaherty and his sister Pearl served as its inaugural patrons. He remained a dedicated supporter of the organization by assisting with fundraising efforts, connecting the society with international contacts, securing archive memorabilia, and advising authors and filmmakers working to preserve his uncle’s legacy.
Together with his late wife Kay, he was a regular attendee at society functions across Dublin and Killarney and participated in several of its Rome tours. The society described him as an “irreplaceable touchstone” for all matters relating to Monsignor Hugh.
Kerry TD Michael Cahill also paid tribute to the former Supreme Court judge, describing him as an outstanding public servant who dedicated his life to the law and the Irish State.
Deputy Cahill highlighted Judge O’Flaherty’s strong lifelong connection to South Kerry, his commitment to preserving his uncle’s humanitarian legacy, his charitable work, and his passion as one of Kerry GAA’s greatest supporters.
Judge O’Flaherty is survived by his sister Pearl, his children Bríd, Catherine, Hugh, and Rory, and his extended family.