Plans for Deansgrange Cemetery

Living and the dead can share a space

Sir, – I have lived most of my 80-plus years in Blackrock, the last 50 on an estate beside Deansgrange Cemetery.

My parents, some grandparents, several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends of several generations are buried there. I now walk there almost daily, and greet them all as I walk.

I am also a member of a local parish funeral team, and regularly stand with bereaved families to lead the final prayers as a coffin is lowered. Yes, death always hurts, and grieving is real and takes time. But life continues for those of us left here behind.

Can we share our ongoing lives with those who left before us? Live our lives better, by walking, jogging or cycling amongst them. Remembering them with warmth, and, if we choose, asking them to look out for us.

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– Yours, etc,

ANTONY SUTTLE,

Blackrock,

Co Dublin.

Sir, – Deansgrange Cemetery contains many important graves, according to Conor Hegarty (Letters, November 1st). The great leveller, on the other hand, might beg to differ.

– Yours, etc,

BRIAN AHERN,

Clonsilla,

Dublin 15.