United Irishman Thomas Russell grave attacked

United Irishman Thomas Russell grave attacked

2 October 2024

THE grave of one of the most significant figures in Irish history has been desecrated.

Thomas Russell is buried in the grounds of Down Parish Church in Downpatrick where a recently erected granite headstone embossed with gold lettering was targeted and defaced.

It was originally believed that brake fluid or some other acidic substance was poured over the headstone, but a more closer examination revealed that it had been defaced using black paint.

The move has left members of the Thomas Russell Society – who erected the small headstone – perplexed, upset and wondering why a gravestone which is a popular location for historical tours was singled out.

Church members are also concerned that the grave of the Presbyterian Russell – one of the founders of  the United Irishmen – was targeted. 

In July, a window in the church hall adjacent to a sign outlining the history of Russell and where he is buried was smashed, but it’s not known if both incidents are linked.

Police have been informed about the grave desecration which comes after a spate of trouble in the Downpatrick area over recent weeks.

Vandals targeted the town’s heritage railway, locks at a number of business premises were damaged after super glue was poured into them and there has been anti-social behaviour close to the Abbeyfield sheltered housing complex.

Thomas Russell Society members are hoping the gravestone can be repaired in time for the  annual commemoration of the United Irishman in the church graveyard on October 19 and appealed to anyone who has any information about what happened to inform the authorities.

Russell was hanged at the old Downpatrick gaol and beheaded in October 1803, one month short of his 37th birthday, and is one of a number of historical figures buried in the Parish Church graveyard.

Society members John Kelly and Colm ‘Speedy’ Mullan say they are “at a loss” to understand why the grave was targeted almost a year after the new headstone was erected and hope whoever was responsible will reflect on the consequences of their actions.

Mr Kelly said members are disgusted that someone would go into a graveyard and desecrate a grave. 

“This was clearly not a child who did it and it wasn’t a random attack. The person knew what they were at but there is no excuse for this,” he declared.

“We have been thinking why the grave was targeted, who did it and who possibly would want to do something like this? But we have not come up with any answers,” said Mr Kelly.

“The grave has been there for over 220 years and nothing like this has ever happened before. It is regularly visited by people taking part in historical walking tours and we are hoping that we can restore the headstone to its original condition. What happened was disrespectful.

“Members of the Society come from different backgrounds and from all over and we are really disappointed something like this could happen.”

Mr Kelly said the headstone was erected as many visitors had difficulty locating Russell’s grave when they visit the graveyard.

“Some people think he’s buried at Down Cathedral so we raised the money to put the headstone in place and are really disappointed this has happened,” he added.

Mr Mullan described what happened as “puzzling”.

He said while society members are asking who would do such a thing they have ruled out any sectarian motive.

“There is no sectarian connection with Russell who is one of the most significant figures in Irish history. It is clear his grave was specifically targeted but for what reason we just don’t know,” Mr Mullan continued.

“We are at an absolute loss about who came equipped to do this and what the motivation is. Whoever was responsible obviously came prepared and what motivated them to do it is the question we can’t answer.”

Mr Mullan added: “Russell was a man who tried to bring people together. Whoever targeted his grave clearly hasn’t a clue about history. Why would anyone something like this? It just doesn’t make sense.”