Sligo County Council's decision to remove early Christian tombstones for protection and preservation meets with local opposition.
A dispute has erupted between local people and Sligo County Council over the removal of early Christian slabs from Carrowntemple graveyard near Gurteen, for "safekeeping" by the council following the theft of five other slabs.
Gardaí were called in as a stand-off took place between local residents and members of the council at the graveyard.
When County Council workmen arrived at the graveyard to remove the slabs, they were met by angry local residents who viewed the council's plans as desecration of their family plots. A debate took place between County Secretary Brendan Byrne, and local farmer Joe Duffy at the graveyard.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 9 December 1986. The reporter is Tommie Gorman
