A massive, elaborate, memorial structure with multiple life-size figures of angels and saints – which appeared overnight in a Ballinasloe graveyard – was causing hurt to people whose relatives were resting in the same burial ground.

Galway County Council management has confirmed it was investigating the sudden arrival of the structure at Creagh Graveyard after it received complaints from members of the public about its size and suitability.

The Council said last week that the structure may breach its Environment Department’s burial ground policy which has strict guidelines on the height and types of memorial structures that can be erected at graves.

It’s understood the marble memorial was put up at a grave in the graveyard last Tuesday, and the matter was brought to the attention of the County Council area office in Ballinasloe.

According to videos circulating online, a small crane-like machine was used to erect the structure, which includes statues of what appear to be angels, saints, a scene from the Last Supper, and the Virgin Mary. The gold-coloured structures are balancing on grey pillars.

A photograph of the memorial was sent to the Tribune by a reader, who said the structure should be taken down.

The matter was raised at the latest meeting of Ballinasloe Municipal District where concerns of members of the public were relayed to Council management.

Many members of the public have said they were upset by the scale of the structure and have made representations to elected representatives, the meeting heard.

Caption: A section of the memorial at Creagh Cemetery.

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