JOINT PUBLIC STATEMENT – National Traveller Men’s Forum & Minceirs Whiden
Condemnation of the Destruction of the McGinley Family Memorial at Sligo Cemetery.
The National Traveller Men’s Forum and Minciers Whiden unequivocally condemns the dismantling and destruction of the McGinley family memorial at Sligo Cemetery, reportedly carried out under the authority of Sligo County Council on Friday, 6 November 2026.
The memorial, which marks the final resting place of two members of the McGinley family, had only been fully erected on 22 October 2026, just 15 days before its removal.
According to the McGinley family, they received no prior written notification, no explanation of the Council’s concerns and no opportunity to address any alleged breach of cemetery regulations before their loved ones’ memorial was dismantled and severely damaged.
This is not simply about a headstone. This is about dignity, respect, cultural identity and the fundamental right of a grieving family to honour and remember their loved ones.
Within the Traveller community, the care, decoration and maintenance of family graves hold profound cultural, spiritual and emotional significance. Grave memorials are expressions of enduring love, remembrance and respect for those who have passed away.
They are places where families gather, grieve and maintain their connections with loved ones across generations.
To see such a memorial broken and destroyed is deeply distressing. For a family already carrying the pain of bereavement, the manner in which this removal was reportedly conducted has caused further and entirely unnecessary hurt.
The National Traveller Men’s Forum and Minciers Whiden recognise that the local authorities have responsibilities in relation to cemetery management and regulations.
However, these responsibilities must be exercised with fairness, proportionality, transparency and, above all, humanity.
No family should discover that the memorial marking the resting place of their loved ones has been dismantled and damaged without first being afforded the basic courtesy of communication, explanation and an opportunity to resolve any concerns.
We are also deeply concerned by the questions raised by the McGinley family regarding consistency and equality in the application of cemetery regulations.
The family has requested clarification as to why their memorial was selected for removal when they believe other memorials of comparable size remain in the cemetery.
These concerns must be taken seriously and examined through a transparent and independent investigation.
The National Traveller Men’s Forum and Minceirs Whiden call upon Sligo County Council to provide the McGinley family with a full explanation of the decision to remove the memorial, the legal authority relied upon, the reasons for the lack of prior communication and the circumstances in which the memorial sustained such extensive damage.
We further call for an independent investigation, the preservation of all relevant evidence, and meaningful engagement with the family regarding the restoration or replacement of their loved ones’ memorial.
Respect for Traveller culture, traditions and identity must extend beyond statements of inclusion and equality. It must be reflected in how public bodies engage with Traveller families, particularly at times of bereavement and vulnerability.
The McGinley family deserved compassion, communication and respect. Instead, they have been left grieving not only for their loved ones but also for the destruction of a memorial erected in their honour.
The National Traveller Men’s Forum and Minciers Whiden stands in solidarity with the McGinley family as they seek answers, accountability and justice.
Our loved ones deserve dignity in death, and our families deserve dignity in grief.
National Traveller Men’s Forum & Minceirs Whiden
Promoting Traveller Culture, Dignity, Equality and Human Rights