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However, the responsibility can pass by mutual agreement to the next of kin or family friend.
It is important to understand that whoever signs the authorisation for a funeral service to proceed will be financially responsible for the funeral and the only person with the authority to make arrangement with the crematorium or cemetery.

What type of funeral service should we have?

If you wish to have a traditional church service you need to decide whether to have a removal to church the day preceding the funeral followed by burial next day or a removal to church and burial on the same day. We will discuss both options with you.

A funeral can and should be a celebration of life. A 'good' funeral is one that is authentic, creative and meaningful in relation to the person who has died and those who are grieving. You can personalise the funeral service with readings, hymns or even the location. Our experienced staff will guide and assist  you to arrange the type of service you want.

My Mum/Dad was not religious; are there options for non church funeral services?

Yes. There are other options available such as a humanist service and we will discuss these with you.

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

Most cemeteries and crematoriums are open on Saturdays.

With very few exceptions Sunday burials in Dublin do not take place.

Some cemeteries allow burials on bank holiday weekends. Some do not including burial on the Saturday of a bank holiday weekend.

We will advise in all cases.

Is embalming required?

We recommend embalming in all cases. We believe that the care and presentation of the body is one of our most important functions as Funeral Directors. We have a fully qualified embalming team to achieve the highest possible standard when presenting your deceased loved one.

Embalming combines the sanitation and preservation of the body. This is achieved by the injection of a treated solution into the circulatory system. This returns a more natural appearance and also prevents the spread of bacteria and advancement of deterioration.

I have relatives coming from abroad, is there a difficulty in delaying the funeral?

No. Once preparation and embalming has taken place viewing is normally available over an extended period of time.

Is it possible for the family to carry the coffin?

Yes. Traditionally many families carry the coffin into and out of the church. Six people are normally appropriate.

How much does a funeral cost?

The cost of a funeral will be determined by you and your family.

Funeral costs are broken down into two areas. The costs charged by the Funeral Director will include the cost of the coffin selected, transportation costs, and preparation of deceased and professional services.

The costs will also include payments made to third parties, such as cemeteries, crematoria, newspapers, and florists, on your behalf.

The amount you spend on a funeral should be in line with what you or the estate can financially afford.

In all cases we offer families a detailed quotation of the estimated costs of their chosen funeral.  

Is it possible to organise donations to a charity instead of flowers.

Of course. We will assist you to arrange donations to your nominated charity and include your request in the death announcement form.

What happens if a death occurs abroad?

Our Repatriation Department – recognised as the industry leader among Irish Funeral Directors – has decades of experience in dealing with the added complexity of a death overseas and the task of returning the deceased home to Ireland.

Equally, we have extensive experience in repatriating someone who has died in Ireland back to their country of origin.

We will co-ordinate all documents required from coroners, embassies and airlines.

 

We outline below answers to questions we are frequently asked on Cremation.

Does it cost more to be cremated than buried?

No, usually burial is more expensive. We will advise you of comparative costs.

What procedures, if any, are required before Cremation can take place?

One medical certificate is required. We will coordinate this on your behalf. A charge is made by the medical practitioner for this.

If the deceased had a pacemaker, this will need to be removed. Jewellery and glasses will be required to be removed before cremation.

Are there any religions that do not approve of cremation?

Cremation is accepted by all Christian denominations, Sikhs, Buddhists, Hindus and Parsees.

Muslims, Orthodox Jews and the Greek Orthodox Church do not allow cremation.

What kind of service can I have with cremation?

As with burial you can have a religious or a non-religious service or indeed no service at all prior to the removal of the deceased to the Crematorium.

What happens at the Crematorium?

The service at the Crematorium must be carried out within the time allowed by the Crematorium.

Family and mourners gather at the crematorium at an arranged time.

The coffin will be placed in a position for everyone to view. The chosen service will commence. It may include hymns, songs, prayers and eulogies.

Towards the end of the service, curtains will be drawn and the coffin will be hidden from view. If you would prefer the coffin to remain on view until everyone has left this can be arranged.

How long after the service does the actual cremation take place?

Normally within twenty four hours.

What happens to the coffin?

The coffin is taken into the crematory where the nameplate is checked. An identity card is attached to the cremator where the coffin is placed and is kept with the cremated remains until they leave the crematorium. The coffin is placed into the cremator and when finished, the cremated remains are taken from the cremator, cooled, and placed in a cremulator which reduces the remains to ashes. These are placed into an urn/casket available for collection.

How can we be sure that we receive the ashes of our loved one?

Each cremator is only large enough to take one coffin. When a cremation has finished the cremated remains are placed into an individually identified container.

What happens to the ashes?

Assistance in the selection of a final resting place for the ashes is outlined in our post funeral section.

Is cremation governed by a code of practice?

Yes. There is a strict code for crematoriums, which is usually on display in Crematoriums.

For more information about our cremation ceremony service, please visit our cremation page.