The family of a young Letterkenny man who died tragically in 2014 were shocked and disgusted this week after a precious item was stolen from his grave.
Eddie Gildea of Correnagh was 28 years old when he died in a drowning accident in the River Finn.
The popular young man was buried at Leck Graveyard on the outskirts of Letterkenny. His father Martin visits the grave every day and the family had just recently added an ornament to the resting place.
The family were stunned on Tuesday to discover that the new custom-made flower holder had been taken from Eddie’s grave.
The large black marble stone ornament is about 12 inches high and has GILDEA etched on it in gold writing.
Eddie’s sister Emma is appealing for the memorial stone to be returned.
She told Donegal Daily: “Daddy is heartbroken, the stone is only there a few months. He is a caretaker at the graveyard and goes down to see Eddie every day.
“We have reported it to the gardaí. It’s a very heavy stone so whoever lifted it had to be very strong and have a car nearby. We are asking if anyone saw anything to get in touch with the guards.
Emma added: “We don’t know if this is just an isolated theft or it’s happening to others. We’d like to warn people to take care with their loved one’s graves.”
“It’s disgusting that someone would do this,” she said.
A reward is being offered by the family for the return of the piece. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Letterkenny Gardaí on (074) 916 7100
