Appeal Court victory for family of Athboy native wishing to have Irish phrase placed on her gravestone

Relief for family wishing to pay respects to their mother and her Irish heritage

The family of an Athboy woman wishing to see the phrase “in ár gcroíthe go Deo” (“In Our Hearts Forever”) in Irish only on their mother’s gravestone have won their landmark appeal at the Arches Court of Canterbury.

Following the full day hearing on 24 February at St Mary-Le-Bow Church in London, the three judges ruled that the family should be allowed to have the phrase on their mother Margaret Keane’s gravestone.

The appeal followed an earlier ruling by The Chancellor of the Diocese of Coventry, which stated that “Given the passions and feelings connected with the use of Irish Gaelic there is a sad risk that the phrase could be regarded as some form of slogan or that it’s inclusion without translation would of itself be seen as a political statement” and he said it would be “unintelligible to all but a small minority of readers” in “English speaking Coventry”.

Legal action was taken on the family’s behalf free of charge by Irwin Mitchell solicitor Caroline Brogan, and barristers, Caoilfhionn Gallagher QC and Mary-Rachel McCabe, both of Doughty St Chambers.

The ruling means the family have taken a big step forward in fulfilling their wishes and seeing their final, heartfelt tribute to a much loved mother and grandmother in place for St Patrick’s Day this year.

The Church of England (which is separate to the ecclesiastical court) has told the family that their court costs will be paid by sources within the Church of England.

Bez Killeen and Caroline Newey, two of Margaret Keane’s daughters, said: “This ruling is such a relief to the family and we want to thank everyone involved for their support. Margaret was born and went to school in Athboy before moving to Coventry.