Controversial convent graffiti removed
February 23 last marked the 78th anniversary of the Cavan Orphanage Fire.
Controversial graffiti at appeared on a wall near the former Poor Clare's convent has been removed.
The Banksy-esque imaged appeared overnight, Tuesday into Wednesday, February 2-3, and was removed almost immediately.
No permission had been given to erect the image, which depicted a nun discarding a baby into a drain beneath.
February 23 last marked the 78th anniversary of the Cavan Orphanage Fire.
The 1943 tragedy claimed the lives of 36 victim, including 35 children, the youngest of whom was only four years old. An 80-year-old woman, who worked as a cook at the orphanage, also lost her life.
The fire started in the basement laundry of the orphanage in the early hours of the morning.
The orphanage was run by the Poor Clare sisters.
Despite the tragic loss of life, around 50 others were saved by the quick actions of locals living in the area.
The victims of St Joseph’s Orphanage fire are buried at Cullies Cemetery.
A memorial plaque was placed at the Cavan Convent in 2010.
Three years ago volunteers lobbied Cavan County Council to erect a larger more permanent memorial to the victims. An online petition was campaigned, but the local authority at the time stated there were no plans for any further commemoration at the site.
To mark the 75th anniversary of the fire a group of people gathered to pay their respects at the memorial site.
A Mass of the Angels meanwhile took place at St Clare’s Chapel.