COULD it be a case of parish rivalry? That was the suggestion at last week’s area council meeting in Thomastown after the theft of a signpost for Graignamanagh outside Gowran village was stolen for the third time.

Cllr Ann Phelan, a Graig’ native, has had enough and highlighted the fact that the sign had been defaced on a number of occasions with black paint (the plot thickens). The sign which was at the junction between Goresbridge and Graignamanagh was a particularly good one, she said, highlighting the medieval nature of the monastic settlement in Graig and welcoming people to the popular tourist spot.

She said a second sign was still there but didn’t indicate which way it was to Graig’ and she added that it too had been painted over by persons unknown.

This inspired Bennettsbridge resident, Cllr Pat O’Neill to say: “Aren’t there two hurling teams down there?” He was referring to the Graignamanagh GAA club’s rivalry with the Blacks and Whites of Skeoughvosteen. Cllr Phelan would not be drawn on the matter and said she could not comprehend why the people involved had targeted the Graignamanagh sign only.