Grave of Celtic great among those vandalised at St Conval’s

THE grave of Celtic great Tommy McInally was among those vandalised amid a horrifying act of vandalism in St Conval’s Cemetery in Barrhead, during which a number of headstones were attacked (above) and a large crucifix was set on fire.

Local man Tommy was much-loved by the Celtic support, both for his bad-boy image and his talent on the field, playing over two hundred times for the club in two spells between 1919 and 1928, during which he scored 127 goals.

The cemetery, which was established in 1938 and is operated by Paisley Diocese, is the resting place of a huge number of Irish and Irish descended families who resided in the region.

Following the shocking attack, Bishop John Keenan of Paisley spoke of his gratitude for the hard work being done by cemetery staff to repair and care for any affected graves.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the families who have had headstones attacked, as well as with the whole community of relatives and friends who visit St Conval’s and care for the graves of their loved ones so tenderly,” he said. “My gratitude goes to the St Conval’s staff who maintain the grounds and administer the cemetery and who now face the distressing task of repairing and making safe damaged graves while comforting distraught families.”

A 39-year-old man was charged following the incident, and has been remanded in custody.