Historic Clough Cemetery extension completed, securing burial space for 50 years

The project team and landowners joined the outgoing Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman William McCaughey; L-R, Kieran Murray, Adman, Tony Law, MEA Council, Brian Calwell, Landowner, Philip Thompson, MEA Council, Stewart Gregory, MEA Council, Alderman William McCaughey, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Andrew McMullan, MEA Council, Ryan Yates, Taggarts, Neil Molloy, Adman

A major upgrade and extension of Clough Cemetery has officially been completed, with the historic site now offering an additional 276 burial plots—securing space for local families for at least the next five decades.

The improvement project, overseen by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, also included substantial infrastructure upgrades such as improved laneways, visibility splays at the road entrance, and a newly resurfaced car park, enhancing access and safety for visitors.

To mark the completion, outgoing Mayor Alderman William McCaughey was joined by neighbouring landowners Ian and Tracy Hazlett and Brian Calwell, whose collaboration made the expansion possible.

A site steeped in history

Clough Cemetery holds deep historical and cultural significance for the region. Records of its use as a religious site date back to the 1300s.

The cemetery houses the ruins of a church believed to have been built in the early 1600s, which remained in use until 1842, when St James’ Church of Ireland was established in the village.

With graves dating back to the 1700s, the cemetery has long served as a final resting place for generations of local families. The recent extension ensures that this tradition can continue well into the future.

Community collaboration

Outgoing Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman William McCaughey is joined by Tracy and Ian Hazlett, Landowners for the official opening of the Clough Cemetery extension.

Alderman McCaughey expressed his gratitude to those who played a key role in bringing the decade-long project to fruition.

“This project has taken nearly ten years to complete, and it’s with thanks to Ian and Tracy Hazlett for permitting the Council to purchase a piece of their land and Brian Calwell for his support in facilitating the works across his land, that has enabled the completion of this project,” he said.

Outgoing Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman William McCaughey is joined by landowners, Brian Calwell and Ian Hazlett for the official opening of the Clough Cemetery extension.

He added:

“Putting People First is a key part of Mid and East Antrim’s Community Plan and having our departed loved ones close to the place they called home is very important for all involved. Thank you to everyone who has made the completion of this project possible.”

A community resource for generations to come

The new section of Clough Cemetery is now officially open for burials, providing peace of mind to local residents and families seeking to ensure their loved ones remain close to home.

The extension and upgrade works were led by Philip Thompson, Director of Community at Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, alongside the Council’s Capital Works and Cemetery Teams. The main contractor was Adman, with Taggarts serving as the project design team.