Arranging A Funeral

What choices do we have for the funeral service?

In the case of a traditional church service, you’ll have to decide whether the removal to the church takes place the day before the service and burial is the following day, or if you want removal to the church and burial to take place on the same day. Our staff will be pleased to discuss your options and answer any questions. We believe that a good funeral celebrates the deceased’s life in a way that is meaningful to the bereaved and reflects the life of the person who has died. To achieve this, our experienced staff will be happy to help you personalise the service with readings and hymns of your choice, or arrange to have the service take place in a particular location.

Who should make the funeral arrangements?

The person charged with administering the deceased’s will – the executor – has the legal authority to make all funeral arrangements, however this responsibility can be passed on to the next of kin, other family member or friend, by mutual consent. The person who signs the appropriate authorisation for the funeral service is the only one who can make arrangements with the cemetery or crematorium, and will be responsible for the costs of the funeral.

Can I choose to have a non-religious funeral service?

Yes. If you wish to have a humanist or other type of non-religious service, we can discuss your options and arrange the service for you.

Can I delay the funeral so relatives travelling from abroad can attend?

Yes. Viewing can be extended for an agreed period once all the necessary preparations, including embalming, have been carried out.

Is embalming necessary?

We all always recommend embalming. As funeral directors, we believe that the presentation and care of your family member or deceased is one of our prime responsibilities. Embalming involves injecting a solution that helps to return a more natural appearance to the body and prevents deterioration or any spread of bacteria. Our expert embalming team works to the highest professional standards.

Are burials or cremations allowed at weekends and/or bank holidays?

Our staff will advise in all cases but for guidance, Sunday burials are not allowed in Dublin, although there are occasional exceptions. Some cemeteries do allow burials on bank holiday weekends, whereas others do not, including on the Saturday of a bank holiday weekend. Most crematoriums and cemeteries are open on Saturdays.

How much will the funeral cost?

We will discuss all options for the funeral with you and provide you with a detailed estimate of the cost, based on your choices. Funeral costs fall into two areas: those charged by the funeral directors for the preparation of the deceased, the choice of coffin, transportation, and any other professional services. The other costs include any payments we make on your behalf to the crematoria, cemetery, newspaper, and florists.

Instead of flowers, can we ask for donations to a nominated charity?

Yes. We’ll be happy to organise this on your behalf, by including your request when we make out the death announcement form.

Can family and/or friends carry the coffin?

Yes. Many families choose to carry the coffin. Six people is normally the appropriate number of bearers required to carry the coffin into and out of the church.

What happens when a loved one dies abroad?

We have many years of experience of dealing with these situations and our repatriation service is highly regarded throughout the industry. We’ll take care of the complexities involved when a death occurs overseas, including all the necessary documentation required by embassies, the local coroner, and airlines, to ensure the safe return of the deceased back home to Ireland. We offer the same professional service for repatriating a deceased person from Ireland back to their home country.

Some frequently asked questions about cremation

Is it more expensive to be cremated instead of buried?

No, typically burial is the more expensive option, but we will provide you with detailed costs so you can compare the two.

What procedures must be followed before the cremation takes place?

You will need to provide a medical certificate, which we can arrange on your behalf. The medical practitioner charges a fee for this service. If the deceased has a pacemaker fitted, this will be removed before cremation. Other items, including jewellery and glasses will also be removed.

Can I have a service with cremation?

Yes. You can have a conventional religious service, a non-religious one, or no service if you prefer, prior to the deceased being removed to the crematorium.

What can we expect at the crematorium?

Family and mourners should be seated in the crematorium at the arranged time, where the coffin will be placed for everyone to view. Depending on your choice of service, hymns, prayers, songs and eulogies will follow. As the end of the service approaches, curtains will usually be drawn to hide the coffin from view, although you can choose for the coffin to remain in view throughout. The service is completed in the time allowed by the crematorium.

Which religions, if any, do not allow cremation?

Cremation is widely accepted by all Christian denominations, as well as Hindus, Sikhs, Parsees, and Buddhists. Orthodox Jews, Greek Orthodox, and Muslims do not allow cremation.

Can you explain what happens to the coffin?

The coffin is taken to the crematory, the nameplate checked and the coffin is then placed in the cremator with an identity card attached. Once cremated, the remains are removed from the cremator and after being cooled, are reduced to ash in a cremulator. The ashes are then placed in an urn or casket for collection, by arrangement.

When is the actual cremation carried out?

The cremation takes place after the service, usually soon afterwards or within 24 hours.

How do we know we are getting our loved one’s ashes?

A cremator will only fit one coffin at a time. Once the cremation is completed, the remains are put in an separate, identified container, so there is no chance of a mix up. All cremations are governed by a strict code of practice, which is on display in the crematorium.