A “heartbroken” mother whose son’s grave was robbed has urged the thief to return the items they took. 

Colleen McNally’s son, Daragh, died soon after his diagnosis with cancer in 2019, at the age of just 11. 

The Dundalk boy was one of four siblings and his autism meant that he was always at the “heart of the home”. 

“Our whole family revolved around our Darragh to help him and to suit his needs,” Ms McNally told The Claire Byrne Show. 

“In October 2019, Darragh was diagnosed very suddenly with cancer and five and a half weeks later, he passed away in Cumberland Hospital.

“This came on very suddenly and we never ever envisaged losing Darragh at all.” 

Daragh McNally.

Ms McNally added that despite the passage of time, grief “doesn't get any easier” and she continues to live her life with “great heartache”. 

When the family buried Daragh, they put some of his favourite things in there with him. 

As he also loved nature, they decided they would also buy two pots with trees in them. 

“We bought two very sturdy large blue pots with a flat base, so they wouldn't blow over in the wind,” she recalled. 

“We bought blue because blue represents autism. 

“In the pots, we'd put his little figurines of Peppa Pig, he was Peppa's number one fan.” 

Daragh McNally.

The figurines in particular were of huge sentimental value to Daragh and his family. 

However, they were shocked to find during one visit to the grave that the figurines and one tree had been taken. 

“Somebody obviously just lifted it and like it has no value to them,” Ms McNally added. 

“We took the other one off for fear that it would be taken; I went out there last weekend and it's just so sad that you know you can't have something on your child's resting place… It’s heartbreaking.” 

Daragh McNally.

Dundalk is a close knit community and Ms McNally has since learnt from other bereaved families that they too have had their loved one’s final resting place robbed. 

For those behind the theft, Ms McNally has a simple message. 

“Just leave it back,” she urged. 

“You don't even have to say who you are - just leave it back. 

“It doesn't mean anything to you you know and it just represents so much for us.”

Main image: Daragh McNally's grave. Image supplied.