Grave of WT Cosgrave among four vandalised in Dublin cemetery

The headstone of WT Cosgrave, the first leader of the Irish Free State, has been vandalised in Goldenbridge cemetery in south Dublin.

The top of the monument, capped with a Celtic cross, was knocked off, although gardaí do not believe Cosgrave's headstone was singled out by vandals.

The top of another monument was smashed, another was pushed over, while a third, a relatively modern black marble plaque thought to have been brought to the cemetery by a Canadian citizen, was found in pieces in grass.

Garda sources indicated the damage was most likely caused by a local gang of predominantly teenagers suspected of several acts of vandalism in the area.

Cosgrave, the father of former taoiseach Liam Cosgrave and who died in 1965, is buried alongside his wife Louisa, who died six years earlier.

Goldenbridge is a 19th century walled-in “garden cemetery” on two acres in Inchicore, south Dublin.

A statement from Glasnevin Trust, which has responsibility for the graveyard, said the discovery of the damaged monuments was made by a groundsman yesterday.

“Goldenbridge cemetery is locked and visited by appointment only, given that there are now relatively few burials at the cemetery. In relation to the repairing . . . on this occasion it has been agreed that the stone masons of the Glasnevin Trust will repair the monuments without cost to the family.”