Requests made ahead of this year's Blessing of the Graves in Dundalk

The Dowdallshill Graveyard working committee has asked the public who will be attending this year's Blessing of the Graves at St Patrick's Cemetery in Dowdallshill in north Louth to note a number of requests ahead of this year's event.

The annual Blessing of the Graves will take place on Sunday 20th July at 3pm. As has been the case in previous years, certain restrictions will apply.

On the day of the patron the graveyard will be closed from 11.30am till 1.00pm to allow for final preparations. All members of the public are kindly asked to vacate the graveyard before 11.30 to allow for this.

Upon reopening at 1pm there will be no vehicular access to the cemetery apart from Blue badge holders. Access for blue badge holders will be as in previous years at the north gate from 1pm to 2pm. Once the north gate closes at 2pm there will be no more entry. Members of the public are kindly asked to please adhere to these times.

The ceremony will begin at 3pm sharp and afterwards traffic will leave via the North gate, turning right only onto the Old Newry road.

An Gardai Siochana will oversee traffic on the day, and the committee has asked the public to please follow the instructions of the Gardai and safety stewards at all times.

They also ask attendees to have consideration for the residents in the area, when parking their vehicles. Illegal parking will be enforced.

The committee hopes that these measures will ensure that the day runs as smoothly as possible and that everyone gets to enjoy the occasion.

The Dowdallshill Graveyard working committee says it wishes to “thank the public for their cooperation and hope to see you all there”.