THERE’S nothing like setting a challenge in the dark days of winter, such as the one set by the parish of Kilmeen and Castleventry to raise €20,000 before Christmas to upgrade the cemetery at Rossmore.

It is a scramble by the Kilmeen and Castleventry Community Development Association to come up with the €20,000 they need to match the €45,000 already pledged by Cork County Council – money that has to be spent during this fiscal year.

The association has sent out an appeal to individuals, clubs and businesses asking for help before the end of the year.

‘This will be a major project for our community, which is just a small parish nestled between Clonakilty and Dunmanway,’ said Dan O’Leary, ‘so we are hoping that people will be generous.’

The money raised will be used to upgrade the pathways and entrance to Rossmore Cemetery, both of which have been described as ‘essential and urgent.’

Chairman of the association, Jason Collins, described the path at Rossmore Cemetery as being ‘in a severe state of disrepair.

‘The original tar surface has become worn, uneven and pitted in areas with weeds growing up through the existing surface, all of which is proving difficult to maintain and navigate,’ he added.

Jason maintained the surface is a health and safety hazard for mourners attending funerals, for visitors to the cemetery, for children, and, in particular, for the elderly who could easily trip on the uneven surface.

Following years of representation, he said Cork County Council, who owns and manages the cemetery, pledged in November to undertake this work during this fiscal year.

‘The council is to appoint a contractor to carry out the works and will provide €45,000 of the total €65,000 cost, and the works are scheduled to be completed by the council before Christmas 2025,’ said Jason.

Dan and Jason are appealing to people’s generous nature and to reach out to any of the association’s officers including Jason (087 256289), John O’Keeffe (087 804841), Michael O’Donovan (087 7608765), Michael Keohane (086 8146320), or
Mary Collins (087 6722537).

‘With each euro donated,’ Jason said, ‘donors can enhance and shape the resting place of their loved ones, which would be an invaluable contribution, one that would make a significant difference to our community’.