1996/99
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Controversial plan to exhume General Moore's remains again
11 March 1998
By Tom Kelly
A controversial move is being made to exhume the remains of General John Moore, the first president of Connaught, from his resting place at the Mall, Castlebar, and remove them to a new burial ground at Moorehall, Carnacon.
The proposal has been mooted by Mr Al McDonnell, a Fianna Fail member of Mayo County Council, who believed his remains should be transferred to his home place as part of the 1798 bi-centenary celebrations.
General Moore led the Irish resurgence during the 1798 Rebellion and was instrumental in securing the support of the General Humbert-led French forces.
Said Mr. McDonnell: "He should never have been buried in Castlebar in the first place. His rightful resting place is at Moorehall where the other members of his family are buried."
The distinguished freedom fighter was originally buried in Ballygunner Cemetery, Co Waterford.
But his remains were exhumed and removed to Castlebar by a local commemorative committee back in the sixties.
Mr Des Mahon, Mayo County Manager, did not comment on Mr McDonnell's recommendation.
He said he was in favour, however, of providing a right of way to the 1798 monument at Frenchhill, Castlebar. "There is no point in having a monument if the public cannot get in to see it", he added.
Connaught Telegraph - News & Sport - March 1998
