Funeral & Memorials
Overview
Funerals
Funerals and traditions relating to death have changed greatly in Ireland in recent years. As we move into a more secular society people have altered their thinking of the way they wish to have their funeral ceremony conducted. People can choose many ways to celebrate their funeral in a style that is befitting to their life and their beliefs.
A civil funeral generally includes contributions from a celebrant, followed by stories from family members or close friends about the departed person, with readings, poetry, and music.
The length of the service is decided by the family with the Funeral Director. Similarly the funeral venue or location can be conducted in a place of your choosing, which again will be agreed with your Funeral Director.
We offer a wide range of ceremony services explained as follows.
Civil Funeral
A civil funeral is a funeral is non-secular and is not conducted in a church. Civil funerals are usually held in a crematorium, hotel, funeral home or at home. The funeral director may recommend a civil celebrant or you can choose your own. The celebrant will meet with the funeral party, assist with crafting the ceremony, writing the life tribute and delivering the ceremony. A draft of the ceremony is sent to the family for approval in advance of the funeral. The family can have as much involvement as they desire. If they do not wish to speak on the day the celebrant can deliver the full ceremony on their behalf. The key element in a civil celebration is that the ceremony is centred on the needs of the family.
Scattering of Ashes / Graveside Ceremony
Similar in its nature to a civil funeral your celebrant can provide a full ceremony or a shortened ceremony with a reflection/poetry, life tribute or both. The length of the ceremony is often based on any previous ceremonies that may have been conducted. Where no previous ceremony has been held a longer ceremony is often preferred.
Memorial
When a loved one dies abroad or is being repatriated to their homeland often family and friends cannot travel to the funeral. It is now a frequent occurrence for a memorial ceremony to be held. The memorial can held at any time, and is often done to mark an anniversary or birthday. The memorial can be conducted in a similar way to the civil funeral however they are often more relaxed ceremonies. With the current Covid 19 crisis, when we are unable to celebrate the life of someone we love in the usual way, memorials are more important than ever as a way to celebrate when we can all come together again.
