The newly unveiled inventory of those interred in St. Michael’s Cemetery. This mammoth task took five years to complete and the work was undertaken by Larry Quigley and Carmel Roice, Gorey. Pic: Christy Farrell.

An amazing 4,800 names have been listed in surname alphabetical order on two newly erected large display units in the grounds of St Michael’s Cemetery, Gorey, the result of a five year project that will be of immense benefit to researchers and families searching for their ancestors.

The handwritten details patiently copied by Liam Quigley and computerised by Carmel Roice are found on two CK signs in the cemetery, and also available on the website.

The Catholic cemetery at Gorey Bridge was filled with burials in the 1850’s and the present cemetery was consecrated on October 2, 1886, the land having been kindly given by Lord Courtown.

The St Michael’s Cemetery project was launched at a simple ceremony last Tuesday evening with the parish priest, Fr William Howell, who recalled the work of sculpture’s, monumental workers and caretakers who made the cemetery “on of the best and one we should all be proud of.”

“Gorey families take great care of the cemetery and the respect shown by relatives is second to none,” said Fr. Howell, who added: “I often stroll through the graveyard, which is lovely, and I regard it as a trip down memory lane. And maybe I recall a story about someone I knew in the distant past.”

Full story in this week’s edition of THE GOREY ECHO.