The grave of William T. Cosgrave, the first head of Ireland’s independent government, has been vandalized.

His grave at Goldenbridge, in Inchicore, Dublin, suffered “significant” damage. In addition to other vandalism the Celtic cross, which topped the grave, was broken off. Graves next to his were also desecrated.

William T Cosgrave the last to be buried at Goldenbridge Cemetery #Dublin http://t.co/OuibowId7k @glasnevinmuseum pic.twitter.com/XS2j7sTH7D

— Old Dublin Town (@OldDublinTown) May 1, 2014
Cosgrave was the father of former Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Liam Cosgrave. He was the president of the Executive Council of the Irish Free State and a supporter of the 1921 Anglo-Irish Treaty.

He was the successor of Michael Collins as the Chairman of the Provisional Government and Minister for Finance in 1922.

During his time in government he oversaw the establishment of the Electricity Supply Board (ESB) and An Garda Síochána (the Irish police force).

Cosgrave passed away in 1965.

The damage caused to his grave is being assessed by the Glasnevin Trust, which is in charge of the Goldenbridge site, RTE reports.