FT Issue 2 2026

NON-RELIGIOUS FUNERA L

A ND MEMORIAL CEREMONIES

Humanist funerals and memorials are non-religious ceremonies which focus on the person who has died, the life they led, and the relationships they forged. They are based on the humanist perspective that ever y life is valuable and unique.

A humanist funeral or memorial is the perfect option for families and friends who want a sincere, personal commemoration of their loved one, without religion. Each funeral and memorial ceremony is tailored to the person who has died, and

ma at c ration of life or a ceremony with a more traditional tone.

Humanist funerals are inclusive and welcoming t kgrounds when those with r ay a silent prayer, if they wish.

Humanist funerals and memorial ceremonies are conducted by our trained and accredited celebrants.

FIND YOUR LO CAL CELEBRAN T

Emma Craw ford 07976 124056

Ian Deboys 07368 440040

Terri Gilleece 07801418492

h umanists.uk/ce

Stewart Holden 07971 634098

Hope Kelly 07530 000300

Janni Knox 07890 861690

Richard Lavery 07802 839543

Michael McAlinden 07305 892201

MaryLou McShane 07962 906236

Trevor Molloy 07549 946622

Emily O'Dowd Lewis 07955 200555

Declan Walsh 07859 816585

L UCAN/NEWLANDS ROAD, LUCAN VILLAGE, CO . DUBLIN.

DUBLIN ’ S NEWEST CEMETERY

Within Esker Lawn Cemeter y we have numerous options from which to choose: from traditional burial plots; ash burial or inter ment plots; to columbarium walls, all of which can be purchased in advance of need.

A LIMITED NUMBER OF BURIAL PL OT S AND ASH INTERMENT OPTIONS ARE AV AILABLE TO PRE-PURCHASE IN ADV ANCE OF NEED

Great attention to detail has been paid by our craftsmen to create an environment in which family members can visit www.EskerLawnCemetery.com

SUPPORTING FAMILIES BEYOND BORDERS -

The role of trusted repatriation partners

For funeral directors, caring for families during one of life’s most difficult moments is more than a profession - it is a vocation built on compassion, trust and responsibility.

Across Ireland, funeral directors are deeply embedded in their communities. Many are family-run businesses themselves, carrying traditions and values from one generation to the next. As Ireland’s communities become increasingly international, funeral directors are more frequently supporting families with connections across borders, bringing new considerations to an already sensitive role.

At Woodland Group, those same values are at the heart of how we support the funeral profession. As a family-founded, independent

business, we understand the importance of relationships, reliability and personal service. Our Dublin team works closely with funeral directors throughout Ireland to manage the international repatriation of loved ones, ensuring that families can bring someone home with dignity and care.

Repatriation is a complex process that requires careful coordination. There are airline regulations to follow, customs documentation to complete, and international procedures that vary from country to country. For funeral directors already supporting grieving families, these logistical requirements can add significant pressure during an already difficult time. Our role is to take that pressure away. We

specialise in handling the transportation logistics involved in international repatriation.

From documentation checks to airline bookings and customs coordination, every stage of the journey is managed efficiently and professionally.

But beyond the technical process, every repatriation represents something far more personal - a family’s wish to return their loved one home.

That understanding shapes the way we work with funeral directors every day.

One of the key aspects of successful repatriation is communication. Funeral directors need clear information, timely updates and the reassurance that every detail is being managed correctly.

Our Dublin team provides a single point of contact for each repatriation, ensuring that funeral directors always know who they are dealing with and can reach someone whenever they need assistance. Documentation is reviewed in advance to help prevent delays that can occur when paperwork is incomplete or airline requirements are not fully met.

Through our global network and airline partnerships, repatriations are arranged to

destinations across Europe, Africa, Asia, the Americas and beyond. Each case is approached with the same level of care and attention to detail, regardless of distance.

Over the years, strong relationships have been built with funeral directors who trust us to support them during these important moments. Those partnerships are something we value greatly.

Being a family-owned business ourselves, we share the same commitment to respect, professionalism and compassion that defines the funeral profession. It is a responsibility we never take lightly.

As communities in Ireland continue to grow more international, the need for reliable repatriation services is becoming increasingly important. By working together, funeral directors and trusted logistics partners can ensure that families are supported with dignity, care and expertise every step of the way.

Funeral directors can contact our Dublin team for guidance at any stage of the repatriation process.

E: lorraine.mcentagart@woodlandgroup.com

T: +353 1 2631533 / 00353 87 7203614

W: www.woodlandgroup.com

Busy doesn’t always mean profitable

Drew Callingham ACMA, CGMA, Director, Oak Circle Accounting Ltd

Oak Circle Accounting supports independent funeral directors with clearer visibility over cash, debtors and margins, helping owners make calm decisions without guesswork. hello@oakcircle.co.uk / oakcircle.co.uk

In many family-run funeral businesses, there is a natural tendency to judge how things are going by how busy the firm feels. The phones are ringing, the diary is full, the staff are stretched and stressed, and vehicles are always coming and going. The work is there, and the families are being looked after. On the face of it, that ought to be reassuring. But “busy” and “profitable” are not the same thing. That can be an uncomfortable thought,

particularly in a profession where hard work, high standards and reputation matter so much. Most funeral directors are not short on effort – if anything, the opposite is true. The difficulty is that effort and volume do not automatically protect margin. A firm can be doing a great deal of work and still find that cash feels tight, costs seem to rise constantly, and the rewards for all that effort never quite feels where it should be.

This is one of the reasons that a clear cost-per-funeral figure can be so useful. It’s not a panacea – it doesn’t produce a perfect answer to every commercial question, but it does give the owner a steadier grip on what the business actually costs to run. That matters when pricing decisions need to be made calmly, when supplier increases start

to bite, and when there is a nagging sense that the firm is busy but not necessarily stronger for it.

For many independent funeral directors, the numbers arrive once the year is over. The accounts are prepared, the tax position is dealt with, and eventually a picture emerges, like a ship through the fog, to tell you what happened over the last twelve months. Of course, that information is necessary, though by its very nature it is historical. By the time it is clear that margins have slipped, the business has already suffered through it. This is when cost-per-funeral becomes practical rather than theoretical.

When some people think about cost-per-funeral, they think first of the obvious - of direct costs: the coffin, any third-party costs, crematorium or cemetery fees, notices, printing, flowers, vehicles and similar items. Those are real costs and clearly matter. However, on their own, they do not tell the full story of what it costs the business to deliver a funeral properly.

The fuller picture includes the ancillary costs – wages, premises, vehicle running costs, insurance, admin support, software, professional

fees, as well as all the other overheads that sit quietly in the background making the services possible. In a well-run funeral firm, much of what families actually value is supported by these less visible costs. If they are ignored, the resulting number may look tidy on paper, but it won’t be particularly helpful.

This is why a defensible costper-funeral figure is usually based on total operating costs, and not just obvious direct spend.

The word “defensible” matters here. The aim is not to produce a figure that is mathematically perfect. The aim is to arrive at a number that is sensible, repeatable and useful enough to support decisions – a number you can look at and confidently say broadly reflects the costs of performing a funeral.

In most cases, the simplest way to get there is to look at a recent period – say, the last three months – and take the genuine operating (indirect) costs for that period. This number is to include all of the normal costs to running the business. It may be appropriate to strip out all genuine one-off items of expenditure, but only if they are genuine one-offs. Any costs that occur with any regularity should be included. That total figure can then be divided by the number of funerals carried out in the same time frame. Instantly, that gives a more grounded sense of the operating cost per funeral before you even consider looking at the direct costs associated to individual funerals. Once the average variable or funeral-specific

costs are layered in, then the business is in a much stronger position to judge whether current pricing is still doing its job.

The real value, though, is not the number. It is what the number let’s you see. Sometimes, it confirms that pricing is broadly sound and that the pressure felt is more to do with the timing of the cash, than with the margin itself. Sometimes, it will show you that the business has been absorbing more than it realised. Both are useful, though one more welcome than the other.

A solid cost-per-funeral figure brings shape to conversations that otherwise remain vague: are we recovering rising costs? Are certain types of funerals working harder than others? Are there parts of the business that feel busy but contribute little? Is one branch covering for another?

These are no longer abstract questions. They affect how confidently you can price, how much room you will have to invest, whether staffing levels are sustainable, and how much strain the owner will personally carry.

The majority of independents are not trying to build flashy corporations and want stability more than spectacle. They want a good, reputable business that serves families and the community well, pays its way properly, and can be handed on or developed without constant financial uncertainty. This kind of business benefits the most from simple, reliable visibility.

A cost-per-funeral figure will not solve every commercial

challenge. It won’t remove human judgement involved in pricing, and it certainly doesn’t replace experience. But it does create a firmer base for decision-making. It makes it easier to respond to rising costs without overreacting and reduces the temptation to rely on instinct alone. It also helps the decision makers distinguish between being busy and being profitably busy.

In funeral service, there is often a quiet pride in stoicism, in getting on with things, in carrying the load without fuss and in keeping standards high, regardless of pressure.

These are admirable and good instincts. However, they can sometimes make it harder to stop and ask whether the business model itself is being protected as carefully as the service. Knowing your cost-per-funeral is one way of doing exactly that.

It’s not about becoming overly corporate or reducing everything to a number in a spreadsheet. It is about understanding, in a calm and practical way, what the work is costing and whether the business is sustainable.

For many firms, that clarity is the difference between simply staying busy and building something genuinely strong and lasting.

If you would like help building a practical, defensible cost-per-funeral figure for your firm, get in touch. It can give you a clearer basis for pricing decisions and a better grip on margin.

My role as a celebrant in a changing world of belief

There is a very definite change in the role that faith, religion and church plays in this modern age. As an independent celebrant, I chose to keep all the doors open so that families can feel free to choose an authentic ceremony that truly defines the person being remembered.

Let me explain the groups that most present themselves at this time.

The “churched “are perhaps the easiest to explain. They choose to have faith as a living, every day, active focus in their lives. They know the hymns and readings, better still they believe them and find comfort and truth within the pages., They live in the rhythm of the certainty of an afterlife and the reward for the faithful. There is often a calm and accepting approach to the end of a physical life. There are times when despite the quiet strength that the ceremony carries, I sense a desire to say just a little more, show the breadth of the person

Here to help your families who don’t want a minister/priest led funeral service or a fully non-religious humanist service.

I offer a unique bespoke ceremony that includes anything your family desires.

Tel: 07825 093329

Email: gillianecummings@hotmail.co.uk

behind the prayers and even laugh along with stories of their life. There is usually a solemn and intense approach which demands complete acceptance.

The “unchurched” person is generally very clear in their requirements for a ceremony. As an independent celebrant, I always set the parameters of choice at the beginning of a meeting. There is a certainty about the choices made with regard to religious things. However, there is often no clear script, no inherited framework to lean on. The family can feel uncertain at first as to what a funeral should look like without this, until I guide them to

Gillian Cummings Independent Funeral Celebrant

beautiful writings, readings and songs that frame their loss and longing. Together we build it from the ground up, elements that feel true to the life that has been lived.

Their ceremonies can be deeply personal, sometimes unexpectedly moving, precisely because they are created with care and intention.

And then there is the third group, growing in number and perhaps the most difficult to define and guide. There are people that were raised within a faith tradition but no longer practise or have stepped away over time. Their relationship with religion is often layered and complex. Part familiarity, part distance, part addictive, part disliked.

It is within these funerals that I most encounter the question- “What would THEY have liked.”

Family may feel strongly that a mother would have wanted a traditional hymn but feel bad as she hadn’t set foot in a church for decades. One family member may feel comfort in adding a prayer while another feels it would be inauthentic.

That is exactly when my understanding and passion for realness surges to the fore. The room, both literal and emotional can hold ALL of these perceptions at once. These moments require care, careful questions and attentive listening because beneath the questions lies something much deeper: a desire to honour the person honestly and fully. Not with a weight of expectation to be something particular but just as they truly were.

That is my unique role in Honoured Celebrancy Services. I am that bridge, finding a way to bring all the truths together into a ceremony that feels real and has a beauty and dignity throughout that tells the story of a life loved and well lived. Each one a unique individual deserving of a goodbye that truly reflects them.

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A positive start to 2026 for the IAFD

It has been a busy and encouraging start to the year for the Irish Association of Funeral Directors (IAFD), with a strong focus on supporting members, recognising excellence, and giving back to communities.

One of the highlights so far has been the presentation of €3,800 to Arklow Cancer Support, raised during last year’s President’s Dinner. The fundraiser, led by former IAFD President Niamh Sweeney, reflects the strong sense of community that runs through the profession.

Across the country, members continue to demonstrate high standards of care and professionalism. Recent Excellence Programme awards recognised funeral directors who have successfully completed independent audits - an important benchmark in maintaining quality across the sector.

Behind the scenes, the IAFD has also been engaging with key organisations and contributing to research on sustainability in funeral practices, ensuring the profession continues to evolve in step with changing expectations.

Supporting members and looking ahead

Supporting members remains at the heart of the IAFD’s work. The Excellence Programme continues to grow, helping funeral directors demonstrate their commitment to the highest standards while strengthening trust with the families they serve.

Education is another key focus, with the Funeral Directing Certificate Award (FDCA) programme continuing to attract strong interest and support professional development across the sector.

Looking ahead, a series of regional meetings will take place throughout the year, offering members the opportunity to connect, share

experiences, and stay informed.

The IAFD is also continuing to grow its online presence, using platforms like LinkedIn to highlight member achievements and promote the important role funeral directors play in supporting families and communities every day.

As 2026 unfolds, the focus remains clear: supporting members, promoting excellence, and making a positive difference in communities across Ireland.

Supporting communities at Parliament Buildings, Stormont

IAFD President Fintan Cooney recently attended the launch of the 2026 James Brown & Sons Community Fund at Parliament Buildings, Stormont.

The event brought together community organisations, civic representatives and members of the funeral profession to highlight the important role local initiatives play in supporting people and communities across Northern Ireland.

The Community Fund, established by James Brown & Sons Funeral Directors and supported by Funeral Partners, provides vital funding to grassroots charities and organisations delivering essential services at a local level.

The event also reflected the strong links across the profession, with representatives from both the IAFD and the National Association of Funeral Directors in attendance, underlining a shared commitment to community engagement and support.

Fintan Cooney (President)

Fanagans Funeral Directors

54 Aungier Street

Dublin 2

Ph: 0818 935 000

Email: president@iafd.ie

Fintan Kennedy (Chair)

Ph: 0818 935 000

Email: chair@iafd.ie

John Mark Griffin (1st Vice President)

Griffin Funerals

John’s Gate Pennywell Limerick

Ph: 0818 935 000

Email: johnmark@griffinsfunerals.com

Paul Reilly (Hon. Secretary)

Oliver Reilly Ltd Funeral Directors

Leinster Street, Maynooth

Ph: 0818 935 000

Email: secretary@iafd.ie

Niamh Sweeney (Hon. Treasurer)

John Sweeney and Sons

Fairgreen

Arklow, Co Wicklow

Ph: 0818 935 000

Email: treasurer@iafd.ie

Clare Ann Irwin (Membership Officer)

Irwins Funeral Home

Bothar Irwin, Galway City,

Ph: 0818 935 000

Email: membership@iafd.ie

Peter Maguire (Education Officer)

Massey Bros Funerals

Head office

109 The Coombe, Dublin 8, D08 AK10

Ph: 0818 935 000

Email: education@iafd.ie

Jane Clarke (Public Relations Officer)

Staffords Funeral Directors

60 North Strand Road, Dublin 3.

Ph: 0818 935 000

Email: pro@iafd.ie

Donal Forde

Fordes Funeral Homes Ltd

South Gate Bridge

Cork, Co. Cork

Ph: 0818 935 000

Email: donal@fordesfuneralhome.ie

Noel Hughes

Ph: 0818 935 000

Email: enquiries@iafd.ie

Niall Mulligan

Heffernan’s Funeral Directors

Trim, Co. Meath

Ph: 0818 935 000

Email: heffernansfd@gmail.com

Shape your future, strengthen our communities

Season’s Greetings from Funeral Partners

Support families, grow your skills, and give back to Northern Ireland’s communities.

Celebrating Together This Christmas for their dedication, care and compassion. To all the new businesses that have joined us this year, welcome to the Funeral Partners family. We are proud to support you and honoured by your trust.

Choosing a career in funeral services is about more than building your future, it’s about making a lasting impact. With structured training and clear pathways for development, you’ll gain the skills to grow professionally while helping others through life’s most meaningful moments. And through our community funds, your work contributes directly to local schools, healthcare projects, and cultural initiatives across Northern Ireland.

From everyone at Funeral Partners, we wish you joy for the festive season and a peacful NewYear.

Looking to join our growing team?

Explore career opportunities at funeralpartners.co.uk

Find out how your career can strengthen communities. Scan the QR code to learn more.

Hear from some of our partners about their acquisition journey and becoming part of Funeral Partners.

funeralpartners.co.uk/story

funeralpartners.co.uk/story

James Brown & Sons strengthens community commitment with new £10,000 Impact Grant

James Brown & Sons Funeral Directors has reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to local communities with the launch of a new £10,000 Community Impact Grant, unveiled at a civic reception in Parliament Buildings, Stormont.

The event in February brought together almost 100 representatives from charities, community organisations, churches, business and the funeral profession, reflecting the breadth of support behind the initiative and its growing significance across Belfast and beyond.

Hosted by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons MLA, the event highlighted the vital role grassroots organisations play in strengthening communities. Addressing attendees, the Minister praised the fund’s contribution, noting that support from businesses such as James Brown & Sons is enabling organisations to deliver meaningful and lasting impact.

Established in 2022 with the backing of Funeral Partners, the Community Fund has already distributed £80,000 to local organisations over the past four years. A further £20,000 will be made available this year, including the introduction of the new flagship £10,000 Community Impact Grant.

Speaking at the launch, Beverley Brown of James

Brown & Sons reflected on the origins of the fund, which began with a simple conversation in 2021 when Funeral Partners’ Chief Operating Officer, Matthew Barber, asked how funding could best support local communities. What followed was the development of a structured, locally focused programme designed to ensure support is delivered thoughtfully and where it is needed most.

Since its inception, the fund has supported a wide range of initiatives addressing mental health, poverty, education, social isolation and community wellbeing. The emphasis has remained firmly on grassroots organisations –often operating with limited resources but delivering significant impact within their

The new Community Impact Grant represents an evolution of that approach. Designed to support one project over a 12-month period, it will focus on initiatives that demonstrate clear local need, strong community involvement and the potential to deliver sustainable, long-term benefit.

Importantly, smaller grants will continue alongside the flagship award, ensuring accessibility for emerging groups, pilot projects and organisations at earlier stages of development.

The Stormont event also provided an opportunity to hear directly from organisations supported by the fund. Contributions from Men’s Minds Matter NI, Walkway Community Centre and Knockbreda Community

& Wildlife Garden illustrated the diversity of projects being supported – from mental health initiatives to creative community engagement and environmental wellbeing.

A particularly strong example came from Walkway Community Centre, whose Valentine’s initiative –distributing roses along the Greenway – demonstrated how simple acts of kindness can foster connection and community spirit.

The presence of sector leaders, including Funeral Partners CEO Sam Kershaw and COO Matthew Barber, alongside representatives from the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) and the Irish Association of Funeral Directors (IAFD), underlined the shared values of care, dignity and community that underpin the profession.

James Brown MBE also addressed the gathering, reflecting on the business’s heritage and its enduring commitment to giving back. Established in 1904, the funeral home has long been

embedded in the communities it serves, and the Community Fund represents a natural extension of that legacy.

Ultimately, the initiative is about more than funding – it is about building relationships, listening to communities and recognising the often unseen

work that sustains them. Applications for both the Community Impact Grant and smaller grants are now open. Further information is available at: https://www. jamesbrownfuneraldirectors. com/james-brown-sonscommunity-fund/

Mulhollands Funeral Directors’ community fund open to help local good causes

Local charities and community groups are being invited to apply for grants that will help make a difference as Mulhollands Funeral Directors in Carrickfergus and Larne opens the first round of their new Community Assistance Programme for 2026.

Up to £3,000 is available in funding across two rounds, with the aim of supporting local activities that enhance the quality of life for residents living within a two mile radius of their funeral homes in Exchange Road, Larne, and Irish Quarter South, Carrickfergus. Projects must align with one or more of four categories: Health, Education, Employment Opportunities, and Poverty and Social Deprivation. The next fund cycle opens for applications on 29 June.

Mulhollands successfully ran a Community Assistance Programme in 2025, contributing £3,000 across the year to local organisations including Carrick Connect, Home-Start East Antrim and Larne Community Care Centre, among others.

Kerry Kennedy, Senior Funeral Arranger said: “As a funeral home rooted in the community, it’s a privilege to support inspiring organisations that are making such a positive difference locally. We’re delighted to be able to offer this funding and would encourage any local groups

Mulhollands Funeral Directors Management Team Consultant Peter Mulholland holds the fund plaque, remembering his late father, Bob

with a project that supports the community to apply.”

Peter Mulholland, Management Team Consultant at Mulhollands Funeral Directors added: “Ever since my late father Bob founded the business in 1966, we’ve enjoyed a very close relationship with the communities we serve. The Community Assistance Programme is a great way to

help much-needed groups locally and I am very proud of Mulhollands’ – and Funeral Partners’ – continuing commitment to this support.”

For more information about the funding, visit: https://www. mulhollandsfuneraldirectors. com/community-assistanceprogramme

Bairds of Antrim helps families raise more than £73,000 for charity

Bereaved families supported by Bairds of Antrim Funeral Directors have raised more than £73,000 for charitable causes through online tribute pages, reflecting the generosity and strong community spirit of people across the local area.

Since 2015, families arranging funerals with Bairds of Antrim have created 192 tribute pages using the MuchLoved platform. The pages provide a dedicated space for friends and relatives to share stories, photographs and memories, while also offering the opportunity to donate to charities in honour of their loved ones.

The funds raised are helping charitable organisations continue their vital work supporting individuals and families during challenging times, while allowing those who are grieving to create a lasting and meaningful legacy.

Business Principal Jon Baird, of Bairds of Antrim Funeral Directors, said: “It’s incredibly moving to see so many families choose to support charitable causes in memory of their loved ones. Each donation represents not only a tribute to someone special, but also a moment of kindness that will help others in our community.

through online tributes

“We are proud to support families in finding personal ways to celebrate life, and we would like to thank everyone who has contributed so generously.”

The fundraising effort forms part of a wider picture of giving across Northern Ireland. Since 2015, families served by Funeral Partners funeral homes throughout the region have created 841 online tribute pages, collectively raising £391,607 for charities.

Contributions have included £124,941 raised by families supported by James Brown & Sons Funeral Directors and £98,530 through John Gray & Co. Funeral Directors, alongside further donations generated via Mulhollands Funeral Directors, Shields of Donaghadee Funeral Directors, Joseph Poots & Son Funeral Directors, Houston & Williamson Funeral Directors, Sandy Close Funeral Services and Adair & Neely Funeral Directors.

Through our own personal experience we received the inspiration to set up Treasured Keepsakes, to give people a wide variety of options upon a loved one’s passing should they choose to keep a lock of hair, cremated remains, a piece of jewellery, a photograph or anything that is a personal reminder of their loved one in a small keepsake, keepsake pendant or urn.

Funeral directors we are currently working with have tailored our service to suit their needs. We have two options of how our service can work for you. If you wish you can buy our products from us at a wholesale price and sell them directly to your clients. Alternatively we can offer this service to your clients directly.

We would hope that by recommending our service we will enhance and add value to your business at no extra cost to you. For more information contact us or visit our website

BIE News BIE News

Ireland Division

Ihope the start of 2026 has been a good one for everyone!

Just a small recap on the start of the year, we held our AGM & first meeting of 2026 in the Hamlet Court Hotel, Johnstown Bridge on the 8th February. As always it was a pleasure to welcome all our members and students and of course our amazing guest speaker Scott Grigsby, thank you so much for making the journey to see us, your presentation was spectacular! As from our chats throughout the day this year is an exciting one. A huge congratulations to our members who received their certificates Catriona Cullen, Linda Flanagan, Jessie Moloney, Anthony Broe and Ruby Cudden. I want to wish all of you the very best in your future whatever it may hold but always know that you can always pick up the phone if you ever have any questions and I look forward to catching up at the next meeting.

On a final note I’d like to wish everyone a lovely summer, try to get out and enjoy when

you can and look forward to seeing everyone at the next meeting.

BIE News BIE News

Members and students AGM & first meeting 2026

BIE News BIE News

NI Division

Hieveryone, I hope you’ve all had a great start to 2026! Hopefully you’ve recovered from losing that hour at the end of March, enjoyed a bit of a break over Easter, and maybe even still have some Easter chocolate left!!

Following the really helpful feedback from our recent member survey, we’ve been busy planning the next meeting to make sure it reflects what you want and find most useful.

We’re pleased to say that, alongside the meeting, there will also be an educational session open to both members and students.

We’re especially looking forward to welcoming tutor Cyril Gantley, who will be delivering a lively and hands-on session titled “What?? Aunty who??” It promises to be an immersive, interactive, and practical session –definitely one not to miss!

We’ll also be celebrating our newly qualified members on the day, as they receive their certificates – something we’re really looking forward to sharing with you all.

The next meeting will take place at the Dunsilly Hotel, Antrim, on Sunday 10 May 2026, starting at 10:00am.

We’d love to see you there for an enjoyable and informative morning!

List of BIE Officers and Appointed Representatives for 2026/2027

IRISH DIVISION

Chairperson, Divisional Liaison

Officer & 2nd National Council Rep: Niamh Cusack MBIE

Ballingowan West, Villierstown, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford. Tel: 086 3744762

E: cusackembalmings@gmail.com

Secretary & Public Relations officer: Sarah Roe

4. Thorndale Park, Arthane Dublin D05 T9H0

Tel: 085 7313237

E: sarah.roe.embalming@gmail.com

1st National Council Rep & National Educational Rep:

Cyril Gantley MBIE

336 Kildare Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12 Mobile: 085 7671582

E: cyril.gantley@mortuary-science.ie

Treasurer and Professional Standards Rep:

Susan Moran MBIE

20 Cedarwood Park

Newbridge, Co. Kildare Mobile 086 0619500

E.susan.moran@mortuary-science.ie

NI Treasurer: Andrew McMullan MBIE 22 High Street, Ballymoney Co. Antrim BT53 6AQ Tel: 028 2766 2265

E: andrew@mcmullanfunerals.com

NI Public Relations Offcer: Ciaran Bailie MBIE

27 Navan Court Armagh Tel. 07523 477852 ciaranbailie@googlemail.com

NI Student Liaison Officer Charlie Poots MBIE

NI 1st National Council Representative: Laurence O’Neill MBIE

98 Stewartstown Road, Belfast BT11 9JP Tel: 028 9062 0099 E: oneill8210@hotmail.com

NI 2nd National Council Representative: Mrs Barbara Fowley, MBIE Killakee, Rockbrook Rathfarnham, Dublin 16 Telephone: 00353 (0)86 1911022 Email: barbarafowley@yahoo.ie

NORTHERN IRELAND DIVISION

NI Chairman: Nicholas Gormley MBIE

Unit 5, 3 Main Street, Maghera BT46 5AA

Tel: 07761 500902

Email: support@gms-ni.com

NI Secretary: Jamie Carnahan MBIE

S. Clarke & Son Funeral Directors 12 Court Square, Newtownards BT23 7NY Tel: 028 9181 2168

Email: jamie@sclarkeandson.co.uk

NI Professional Standards Rep: Pat Harley, MBIE

67 Creggan Road, L’derry BT48 9DA Tel: 07712 899137

E: pat.harley@hotmail.co.uk

NI 1st Educational Committee Representative: Deborah McConnell MBIE

James Brown & Sons

300 Newtownards Road, Belfast Tel: 028 9045 1021

E: jamesbrown.belfast@ funeralpartners.com

NATIONAL UK DIVISION

President: Mr Edward William-Price MBIE

Imm. Past National President: Mrs Rachel Shipley MBIE

1st Vice National President: Maria Stibbards

2nd Vice National President: Karen Caney FBIE

National PRO Ben Whithworth

National General Secretary: Gareth Doherty

National Treasurer: Michael Liddle FBIE

10 Yew Tree Close, Silsoe MK45 4EQ

Tel: 01525 860117

E: michaelliddle914@gmail.com

Editor: Gwen Schofield FBIE

9 Seymour Walk, Meltham, Holmfirth HD9 4BP

Home Tel: 01484 851994 Mobile: 07778 279100

E: gwen.schofield@ntlworld.co.uk

Master Fellow: Karen Caney FBIE

Student Liaison Officer: Adrian Walters MBIE

Tel: 01564 778991

From Farewells to New Beginnings: Celebrant Jo McAteer’s Journey so far

Life’s most meaningful moments, love and loss, are marked by ceremony. For a funeral celebrant moving into weddings, it’s not a change of direction but a continuation of the same calling: honouring life’s transitions.

Raised in a family of funeral directors in Donegal, Jo McAteer grew up seeing how ceremonies bring comfort and connection.

Encouraged by her brother Colin, she trained as a celebrant despite early doubts about speaking in emotional settings, something she now does with confidence and care.

Jo’s ability to listen deeply,

hold space, and tell each person’s story has shaped her work across both funerals and weddings. While one marks an ending and the other a beginning, both rely on empathy, presence, and meaningful storytelling.

Jo McAteer receiving her ‘Weddings Online’ Award

Now recognised as the winner of Weddings Online ‘2026 Wedding Celebrant of the Year’, Jo’s journey

reflects a powerful truth: Every stage of life deserves to be honoured. Moving from farewells to weddings isn’t leaving something behind, it’s bringing compassion forward, celebrating love in all its forms.

Anatomy & Physiology, plus many more CPD courses available through our website

Still Refreshingly Different

But now stronger

Golden Leaves has acquired Avalon — creating one of the UK’s most substantial funeral plan providers.

• 150,000 funeral plans under management

• £325 million held securely in trust

• A plan allocated every 10 minutes

• A team of 120 people across the UK and Spain

• Dedicated and personal relationship support

• Founded by funeral directors, underpinned with funeral director expertise

More funerals. More support. More opportunity.

Our refreshingly different relationship-led approach remains exactly the same — dedicated contacts, personal support, and a genuine partnership with independent funeral directors. Contact malcolm.flanders@goldenleaves.com to find out more.

BACK STAGE . . .

It’s not the kind of work that often makes it into mainstream conversation. In fact, for many, it’s something they’ve never even considered. Yet for those of us in the funeral and death care profession, it is an essential, if often unseen, part of supporting families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

What struck me most wasn’t the interview itself, but what came after.

The response was overwhelming. Thousands of messages came from people across Ireland and beyond, funeral directors, healthcare workers, and members of the public. Many said they had no idea that this service existed.

starting the conversion

Others simply wanted to say thank you and congratulations for shedding light on a side of loss that is rarely spoken about.

But perhaps the most meaningful feedback came from those who had experienced traumatic bereavement. People who, until now, had carried the memory of a scene they didn’t know could have been professionally handled. Some shared that they wished they had known help like ours was available. Others expressed relief, knowing that families in the future might be spared that burden.

It reinforced something I have long believed, awareness matters. It can be frustrating to hear families say that, when they asked about cleaning while arranging a funeral, they were told that no one knew of anyone who could help.

In those moments, you realise how important it is that people are aware these services exist, so families are not left feeling lost at such a difficult time.

If my appearance on television achieved anything, I hope it helped start a conversation. Because even in the most difficult circumstances, knowledge can bring comfort, and knowing that help exists can make all the difference.

The funeral profession as a whole plays such a vital role in guiding families through loss with dignity and compassion ‘ ’

In our line of work, we often operate quietly, behind the scenes. Discretion is essential, and rightly so. But there is also a place for education and visibility not for recognition, but so that people know where to turn when they need support.

The funeral profession as a whole plays such a vital role in guiding families through loss with dignity and compassion. Our work, while different in nature, is an extension of that same care, ensuring that no family is left to deal with the visual aftermath of trauma alone.

It’s also important to gently highlight the value of recommending specialist services like ours when families are faced with the practical realities after a death. While trauma scenes are often what people associate with our work, the reality is much broader. We regularly support in situations involving hoarding, neglected or overwhelming living conditions, and properties that require both careful cleaning and full clearance. These circumstances can be just as distressing for families, particularly when they are already grieving. What many people don’t realise is that there is no time limit on when this support can be accessed, whether it’s immediately after a death or weeks and months later, help is available. Knowing when to guide a family towards that support can make a significant difference, easing a burden they may not feel able to face alone.

I may have had my 15 minutes of fame, but it’s taken many years of hard work to get to a place where I can honestly say I love my job and the work that I do.

Hello, my name is Pat.

In 2023, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and Lewy Body dementia on the same day. It was a real shock; I felt my life was over and was asking myself, “What is left for me to do - is this it?”

Thankfully I became a member of Dementia NI and, through my local Empowerment group, I have found hope and a renewed sense of purpose.

The Empowerment groups enable us to speak up and have a voice, so everyone can live well with dementia.

If you would like to know more about the work of Dementia NI, or to help your bereaved families donate, in lieu of funeral flowers, please visit www.dementiani.org or call 02896 931 555.

By Mark Feehan

If people can’t see your care, they can’t choose you

In previous editions of Digital Force, we’ve talked about getting the basics right, showing up on Google, turning aftercare into connection, using AI to protect your time, and learning from communities that understand how to support people long after the funeral ends. This time, I want to bring it all together. Because there is one shift happening right now that will decide which funeral directors grow over the next five years, and which quietly get left behind. Trust has moved. It used to be built in private. Now it is built in public. Start here: search your own business name on Google today and look at what families actually see in the first 10 seconds.

For years, your reputation was built through word of mouth, handshakes, and quiet recommendations in kitchens and church grounds. That still matters. But today, the first impression often happens on a phone screen, late at night, when a family member is searching, unsure who to trust. And in that moment, they are not hearing your story, they are reading it. If you do one thing this week: ask yourself honestly, if a stranger landed on your website tonight, would they feel reassured within 30 seconds.

Here is the uncomfortable truth. We used to pay to be found. We paid for phone book listings, we paid for newspaper ads, we sponsored local GAA clubs because visibility mattered. Now, in a world where you can

record a one minute video and reach thousands of people in your community for free, many funeral businesses still will not press record. Why. That is not a technology problem, that is a mindset problem. Simple step: record one 60 second video this week answering a real question families ask, post it, done is better than perfect.

Social media is not dead. Lazy marketing is dead. Communities are still there, people still want to help, people still want to know who you are before they need you. But if your business is silent online, your care is invisible, and invisible care gets compared on price. Start small: post once or twice a week, one helpful post and one human post is enough to stay present.

The funeral directors who will lead the next generation are not the ones with the most polished branding, they are the ones who feel real. Because families are not looking for perfection, they are looking for someone they can trust. And trust today is built through small, visible signals, reviews, photos, answers to real questions, a face, a voice, a presence. Simple step: ask one family each week for a Google review and reply to every review in your own words, this is your new word of mouth.

Local search is changing, and most funeral directors have not noticed yet. Families are not just choosing based on who they know,

they are choosing based on who shows up, who looks trustworthy, and who feels right, and that decision is often made before the first phone call. Start here: add five new real photos to your Google profile this month, not stock images, real moments, real places, real people. But visibility on its own is not enough, because the next shift is bigger than marketing. It is about what your business actually makes possible for families. Support is not what we say, support is what we make possible. Dropping in meals matters, minding children matters, helping someone breathe again matters, and sometimes helping financially matters too. Ask yourself this: what practical support could I help organise around a family that they would never ask for themselves. Recently, RIP Ireland helped raise nearly 1,800 towards the funeral costs of Karen Fitzgerald. Not in theory, not in kind words, in real support. That money was paid directly into the funeral director’s bank account, no delays, no confusion, just people helping when it mattered. That is what happens when community is given a simple way to act. Think differently: start focusing less on what you provide and more on what you enable.

Because here is the truth. People still want to help, they always have. They want to call over, they want to bring food, they want to support a family who is struggling. But the world has changed. Attention is now digital, community is now visible, and support needs structure. The funeral directors who understand this will not just arrange funerals, they will organise support. Simple step: identify one way your business can bring people together around a family, not just serve the family itself.

At the same time, technology is moving fast. AI is writing, designing, organising and automating, but this does not reduce your role, it increases the value of being human. Because when

everything starts to sound the same, the most real voice stands out. Start here: use AI to save time, not replace your voice, let it handle admin so you can handle people.

So here is the question I want to leave you with. If you were willing to pay to be found in the past, why are you afraid to be seen for free now, and if your community already wants to help, what are you doing to make that help easier. Because in the end, families will not remember your marketing, they will remember what felt easier, what felt human, what felt real. If people cannot see your care, they cannot choose you.

Mark Feehan, Digital Force. Mark Feehan is a sales and marketing consultant specialising in the funeral industry, helping directors improve visibility, trust, and long term growth through web development, design, marketing, SEO and AI. He is not currently taking on new clients, but you can join his waiting list to explore future opportunities.

Reader Note for Funeral Times Subscribers

RIP Ireland is now offering a limited free subscription for funeral directors to provide structured community support, including direct financial contributions towards funeral costs. To learn more, contact Erich Falconer, Falconers Undertakers, Waterford. This offer is exclusively available to Funeral Times readers.

Helping funeral directors stay human in a changing world

New Delivery - Quinn Hearse and Limousine

07546 954222

Ian Deboys

07368 440040

07971 634098

Hope Kelly 07530 000300

07305 892201

MaryLou McShane 07962 906236

O'Dowd Lewis

07955 200555

Declan Walsh 07859 816585

Meet the Humanist Ceremonies celebrants!

humanists.uk/ceremonies

A series of profiles on Humanist Ceremonies trained and accredited celebrants in Northern Ireland, we meet three of the network.

Humanists UK, 39 Moreland Street, London EC1V 8BB

Registered Charity No. 285987

Find a celebrant: https://humanists.uk/ceremonies/find-a-celebrant/funerals/

my name is Geraldine Gallagher, I have a PHD in Trauma and Memory. I also work as a Community led artist and reminiscence facilitator. I have worked as a reminiscence facilitator for 16 years, helping individuals and their families write their life story, using photographs, music and memories. My work experience made becoming a funeral celebrant a natural step. I have helped and guided numerous individuals and families to write their life story.

I coordinate meetings with the bereaved and their family and help them to structure their tribute to their loved one. Writing a tribute is a collaborative process but it can also be overwhelming at a time when the bereaved family are experiencing end of life trauma and grief. I offer reassurance, empathy, clarity of thought, structure and the ability to produce a ceremony which will have meaning.

This is an authentic, uplifting and deeply personal way to say goodbye, with warmth, honesty and respect. The act of choosing music, photographs and readings can bring back happy memories. It focuses on the life

lived, relationships and memories made. It can be an uplifting and a cathartic experience. This role is a privilege.

TERRI GILLEECE

supporting patients and families through some of life’s most difficult moments have given her a rare ability to meet people with compassion, clarity, and calm when they need it most.

After living in Australia for eight years, Terri returned home to Northern Ireland to care for her late mother-in-law and later her own mother. But it was the death of her husband that became the turning point in her path. Experiencing a religious funeral that didn’t reflect his non-religious life made her acutely aware of the need for more authentic, personal, and inclusive ceremonies. Having seen Humanist funerals in Australia—still uncommon in Northern Ireland in 2013—she felt compelled to train so she could offer families a meaningful alternative.

Today, Terri is dedicated to creating ceremonies that honour the individuality of each person. She weaves together the complexity of grief with the celebration of a life lived, crafting farewells that feel genuine, uplifting, and deeply human.

Declan lived in Edinburgh and Sheffield for over 20 years before coming back to Northern Ireland and training as a Funeral Celebrant.

With a background in psychology Declan is used to supporting people at times of need. He feels that it is an honour to be a part of such a private and personal event in someone’s life.

As a funeral celebrant he has helped dozens of bereaved people in planning, creating and delivering meaningful, nonreligious funeral ceremonies and committals.

Declan prides himself on providing professionally for Funeral Directors. Creating ceremonies which are handled with sensitivity, expertise, and complete reliability.

As someone who believes in fostering community, Declan enjoys running free volunteer-led Repair cafés across South Down.

23” WIDE x 6.6FT LONG

COMPLETE WITH 6 CARRY HANDLES & REINFORCED BASE

It’s the Police!

By Ben Whitworth, CFSP, Dip FD, MBIE, LMBIFD, MEAE, MNZEA

There is nothing like a call from the office telling you that the Metropolitan Police are on the phone and that they want to talk to you, to raise the blood pressure and anxiety levels! What did they want? What had I done? What on earth was it all about?

I was in the car traveling back from a sales visit when the call came, and I agreed that the call could be put through and I would find somewhere to pull over and park. As I was doing this, the call was patched through and a cheery Police Detective Constable introduced herself and explained that she worked as a Family Liaison Officer (FLO) and wondered if I could help with a difficult and sensitive situation.

A boy of eight had been playing in the beer garden of a pub next to some building work and had come into contact with exposed electrical wires, killing him instantly. There was a large police investigation ongoing, looking at bringing charges against the contractors for manslaughter and gross negligence. The officer explained that the incident had occurred about eight weeks before and the Coroner was prepared to release the boy’s body for funeral services. However, there were complications. Following the initial forensic autopsy, two arrests had been made. Each suspect in the case had the right to request an autopsy independent of the first and now, eight weeks later, several autopsy examinations had been performed. While kept in refrigerated storage in between examinations, the boy had deteriorated significantly and the Coroner, Coroner’s officers, mortuary technicians, and

the funeral director were all advising the parents not to view.

This recommendation, however well intentioned, had caused much more grief for the family and there were all sorts of threats of lawsuits and media exposure floating around. All the family wanted was to see their son, be able to say goodbye, and hold a meaningful funeral service.

Cheryl, the police officer, said that she had been talking to some friends who worked as mortuary technicians who had been to a seminar at which I had spoken. The presentation was about restoration of difficult and traumatic cases and aimed at showing allied professionals what embalmers could do. The gist was that when it came to bad cases, an embalmer was the best person to advise on whether viewing could be made possible. Names and details had been exchanged and this was how she had come to contact me. Could I do anything to help?

The boy was still at the public mortuary and, if necessary, I could use the post-mortem room for the embalming and restoration. The family would give permission for me to try, but understood that I could make no promises. I would need to see their boy and make a full assessment before deciding what, if anything, could be done. The funeral director was happy for me to undertake the case on their behalf, but asked would I mind if their embalmer came along to help and learn? Everything seemed to be falling into place. I looked at my diary and worked out that I could reschedule a few things, pick up the kit and all of the chemicals

I thought I might need, and attend to the case the day after.

I arrived as planned at the public mortuary and was met at the back door by the mortuary manager and one of his assistants. They had thoughtfully brought an old mobile autopsy table with them, on which I could put my kit and all the items I had brought with me. They had postponed all autopsies for the day and wanted to be available to help in any way they could, and would I mind if they watched as I worked? I was grateful for the support and engagement they showed.

As we made our way into the building, I was starting to feel better. Cheryl, the Police Officer, arrived next and had brought signed authorizations for the embalming and restoration from the family, as well as clothing and a few personal effects for the boy. Should everything be successful, the funeral director and his staff would call the mortuary, when I was ready, to bring over the specially made coffin. This would allow me to do any finishing touches in the coffin without worrying later about transfers and the risk of damage that could occur in the process.

We set up everything in the post-mortem room and then changed into scrubs. The embalmer from the funeral home had arrived and it was time to get to work. The boy was brought in on a trolley and placed onto an autopsy table. Upon opening the body pouch and unwrapping the sheet, the challenges of the situation became apparent. Mold growth was on some of the facial features, and dehydration and skin slip were on other areas. There were burns across the fingers and palms of the hands as well as incisions that had been made to the hands during the autopsies. The skin slip was on both lower legs, and all over the abdomen and up into the chest wall was dark green. The odor was terrible, and the wrappings showed a large amount of leakage from the body while in cold storage. This was going to be one of those cases where we would need to work a full 90 minutes in every hour.

We started by thoroughly disinfecting the body with a large quantity of Dis-Spray. Then three of us gently lifted the small body up, while a fourth removed the wrappings and body pouch from the table. The eyelids and eyelashes looked particularly delicate and, not

wanting to take any chances, I mixed equal parts of Regal 30, Rectifiant, and Proflow. A small amount of rolled cotton was placed over each eyelid and saturated with this solution before being covered with plastic wrap. Using a Q-tip and some Basic Dryene, we then treated areas of the facial tissues showing mold growth. We moved on to treat areas of skin slip with Webril saturated with Basic Dryene, holding these in place with more plastic wrap.

We gently removed the sutures used to close the incisions from the autopsy. A Y-incision had been used to open the thoracic and abdominal cavities. Once opened, the sternum was removed, wrapped in Webril, and then saturated with Basic Dryene before being wrapped in plastic and placed on a ventilated dissection table. The same treatment was used after the calvarium was removed. A clinical waste bag had been used as a makeshift viscera bag and this was removed from the cavity and taken to the dissection bench. I never like to see clinical waste bags used in this way and got some clear viscera bags from my kit.

David, the mortuary manager was watching my every move and had started to ask questions about different products. I was hoping that this was going to become a valuable educational opportunity. The viscera was washed, clipped, and placed into clean viscera bags, separating as far as possible the GI tract from the rest of the organs. To each separate bag, 16 oz. of PermaCav 50 was added and they were tied and left on the dissection table. We would return them later in separate bags.

David asked, “Do you always split the viscera?” I explained that I preferred to and found it easier when returning them to the body cavities. I could see more notes being taken.

We aspirated residual fluid from the body cavities and made a liberal application of DisSpray. After allowing the Dis-Spray to sit for several minutes, we blotted the internal cavities dry with paper towels and swabbed everywhere with more Basic Dryene. The tissues were very delicate, and the purpose was to stabilize them as fully as possible before we started the arterial injection. Our final procedure was to remove the sutures from where the hands had been dissected and dry and cauterize the tissues underneath.

I have found over the years that sometimes

cauterizing body cavities and tissues prior to arterial injection reduces some of the potential leakage that occurs during injection and helps to increase tissue saturation. It also helps further to stabilize tissues before injection begins. I will always cauterize the scalp of an autopsy case before the injection of the head and have found this not only helps with tissue saturation but also reduces the risk of leakage from the head post embalming.

Despite the number of autopsies to which this poor boy had been subjected, the pathologists had been kind in their work and arterial injection was not overly complicated. I mixed a solution that consisted of 16 oz. Regal 30, 16 oz. Metasyn Firming, 32 oz. Proflow, and 32 oz. Rectifant. With a final index of 9% we injected first the left and then the right arm. The pressure was set at 80psi, rate of flow of 200mls (approx. 6.8 oz) per minute, and the pulsation function of the machine used (Yes, not for the first time, I had taken my trusty Dodge Embalming Machine with me). There was some leakage from where the hands had been dissected, but not too much. We were rewarded as the fingers filled, they rehydrated, and the tissue color was good. We would still have to cosmetize, but we had a good base to work from. Positioning the arms and hands by the boy’s sides, we removed the plastic wrap and Webril soaked in Basic Dryene.

Locating the internal and external carotid arteries, we began the injection of the head and I was thrilled when it appeared that both facial arteries were intact. Reducing the flow to 100mls (approx. 3.4 oz) per minute, the head embalmed well and within 25 minutes, I was ready to replace the calvarium and suture the head incision. The tissues had filled nicely and while there would be some work needed using EasyWay and cosmetics, I was feeling better all the time about the progress being made. The initial treatment of the eyelids and eyelashes had paid dividends and the eyelashes had remained in place throughout our treatments. The cranial vault was packed with Viscerock FF and rolled cotton. The calvarium was replaced and held in place using Aron Alpha Gel. InrSeel was placed over the groove made by the autopsy saw and smoothed out. I made a liberal application of Q-S Powder over the scalp and then sutured the incision closed using the worm suture. The facial features were disinfected

with Dis-Spray and dried with rolled cotton and then set. We cut down eye caps to fit nicely and, once happy with the eye closure, Aron Alpha was used to ensure secure closure of the eyelids. A little Kalip Stay Cream was used under the lips to give a satisfactory closure.

We moved on to ensure the legs were embalmed and the other embalmer did this, while I started to reconstruct the hands. Cauterizing and drying the tissues, a light application of Q-S Powder was made and, again, the worm suture was used to create a pleasing closure. A little EasyWay and more cosmetics and we had a good finish. As the arterial injection was finished, the cavities were aspirated and the trunk walls hypodermically injected. Once ready, we applied Action Powder to the cavities and then, having expelled excess air from the viscera bags, replaced them and returned the sternum. David, watching our every move, commented on the ease of returning two viscera bags having previously separated everything. A final dusting of Action Powder and the trunk incision was closed with a worm suture and then sealed with an application of Liquid Perma Seel, which was covered with strips ofWebril.

My colleague, the other embalmer, started to remove wrappings from areas of skin slip so that he could dress and bandage them, and I started working with EasyWay where needed over the face and hands. We reached a point where we were ready to dress and cosmetize and David suggested at this point that it was time for a break and a much- needed cup of tea. It was 8:30am when we started work and now, when we looked up at the clock, it was 3:30pm. We had been so focused on our work that we had completely lost track of time.

Stepping back into the post-mortem room after about half an hour, I was amazed! While we had taken a much need break, David had asked his staff to do what they could to clean up the equipment and instruments and get ready for the finishing stages of our task. My embalming machine had been flushed, cleaned, and polished. Embalming instruments were currently being processed in the automatic washer/disinfector machine. Clinical waste bins had been emptied and everything had been washed and disinfected. It was a kind and greatly appreciated gesture and I couldn’t thank

them enough. We dressed the young boy and, after positioning him in his coffin, I set about the cosmetic work, first using Perma Liquid and then finishing with Kalochrome Creams, a setting powder and a good quality setting spray. When we were happy that we had done all we could, we wheeled the small coffin to the back doors of the mortuary, to be placed into a waiting hearse. He would be taken back to the funeral home and I would wait to hear more.

I got a text message from the funeral director to tell me all was well. I didn’t think much more about the case, until a couple of years later, when I got a call from the office, asking if I could speak to a police officer! It was Cheryl the FLO from the case, and she wanted to give me an update as the case had finally gone to court. One of the defendants had pled guilty to Gross Negligence Manslaughter and another was found guilty of a Health and Safety Charge after a five-week trial. Sentencing would take place at a later date but both men were facing substantial custodial sentences.

David, the mortuary manager and I met up a couple of weeks after we had performed the embalming and discussed several things. Based on what he had observed on the day we did the embalming, he wanted to know how he could better care for the deceased and support embalmers and funeral directors in their work. His facility has now made several changes to their daily operations which help everyone concerned. They now use two viscera bags on every autopsy case and split the viscera for a better restoration of the patient after examination. Once they have eviscerated, the body cavities are thoroughly swabbed with paper towels and then sprayed with Dis-Spray before the viscera bags are returned. Once the patient has been washed and dried, after the autopsy, White Kalon Massage Cream is applied to the face and hands and the technical staff regularly check on the deceased and make sure Dis-Spray is used regularly to prevent mold formation on their long-term cases. The funeral directors and embalmers in his local area are very happy with the support they get from their mortuary technicians.

After Cheryl and I had spoken at the conclusion of the trial, she emailed me a few weeks later with a further update and I would like to share part of the email with you. It sums

up what funeral service is all about far better than I can and is one of the best advertisements for funeral service that I have ever encountered.

“I would like to express heartfelt thanks on behalf of the family of the eight-year-old, for the work you did to make their son suitable for them to say their final goodbyes. Had it not been for your assistance and skill, the family would not have had their final wish, which was to see their little boy one last time. In fact, because of your services, the family spent several days in the chapel of rest with him, before he was cremated. They held his hand and read him stories. They were also able to have photos with him, which they cherish.”

If ever I have a bad day or doubt what I do professionally, I sometimes look back at that email and others. What we do matters! Not only does it matter, but it brings comfort and peace! It is more than enough!

Ben is a Sales Consultant with The MazWell Group Ltd. His time is split between visiting customers across the UK and in the office where he assists with technical enquiries. An active funeral director and embalmer, Ben is an accredited Tutor of the British Institute of Embalmers and writes for several professional journals across the world.

If you would like to be added to the mailing list for the complementary Dodge Magazine which is printed quarterly or would like to discuss any of the products mentioned in this article, please contact us on the number below: Shepherds Funeral Supplies, Unit 2A Royal Canal Business Park, Athlone Road, Co. Longford. Ph. 00353 43 3349702/ 00353 87 2486668

Coleman Milne acquire IP and manufacturing assets of Eagle Specialist Vehicles

Following the recent administration of Eagle Specialist Vehicles, Coleman Milne (Castilian 1 Ltd) has acquired the intellectual property and selected assets of the business.

We are deeply sorry to hear of the administration and recognise the significant impact this situation has on employees, customers, and suppliers across the industry.

As a long-standing participant in this sector, we recognise the importance of helping to maintain stability across the industry. In coordination with the appointed administrators, we have agreed to acquire certain assets of the business. Our immediate focus is to work constructively with the administrators to engage, where feasible, with customers and suppliers who may have been affected,

and to explore ways to help minimise disruption during this challenging time.

In addition, we aim to provide ongoing aftersales support and spare parts supply wherever possible, working closely with suppliers to help mitigate wider industry impact.

John Randerson, CEO Woodall Nicholson Group commented,

“We are saddened by the administration of Eagle Specialist Vehicles and the impact this has had on its highly skilled workforce and valued customers.

Following our acquisition of selected assets and intellectual property from the administrators, Coleman Milne will undertake a comprehensive review of its product portfolio in the coming months. This will focus on enhancing our existing

range while introducing new luxury models for both the funeral and prestige passenger transport sectors under the Nicholson brand.

At a time of considerable uncertainty across the vehicle manufacturing industry, we remain committed to investing in our products and our people, ensuring we continue to deliver greater choice, quality, and innovation for our customers.”

We hope that by taking a responsible, collaborative approach, we can play a positive role in supporting customers and maintaining confidence in the ceremonial vehicle sector.

Maria Connaughton is a Dublin-based civil funeral celebrant, working Ireland-wide. She crafts meaningful, inclusive funeral ceremonies that honour the life and story of the person being remembered. Working primarily in English, she also offers bilingual (Polish and Italian) and culturally sensitive ceremonies when needed. More at www.ritualistic.ie and on Instagram @ritualistic_celebrant

By Maria Connaughton

When Families Feel There’s Nothing to Say

Supporting families through grief when relationships are complicated

Not every family comes to a funeral with a clear story about the person they’ve lost to share during the ceremony. There are many different family dynamicssometimes relationships are complex, distant or shaped by things left unspoken for years.

Sometimes, when I first speak to a family member or next of kin, they say it quietly, almost apologetically:

“I don’t really know what I can say.”

At times, there are also several family members involved, each with their own perspective, and not always in agreement at the beginning. Sitting down together, around one table, allows space for those voices to be heard, gently aligned and shaped into something everyone feels comfortable with. It ensures there are no surprises on the day, and that each person feels included in the process. Recently, I was contacted by a funeral director on behalf of

a young man whose father had died. I didn’t know him but he had asked for me to lead the ceremony, having attended a funeral I had conducted some months earlier for his friend. From the beginning it was clear this would not be a straightforward situation.

His relationship with his father had been difficult. His mother had died when he and his sister were young and, in the years that followed, their father struggled with alcohol addiction. Much of their upbringing had been shaped by extended family. In later years there had been very little contact.

“I don’t really know what I can say about him, we don’t have any recent memories,” he told me.

And yet, he was now the person responsible for organising his father’s funeral. After speaking with the funeral director I asked for a little context. When I called the son, we arranged to meet, giving him the option of his

home, the funeral home or somewhere neutral. The important thing was that he felt comfortable.

He invited me to his home. From the beginning, I reassured him that there was no pressure to have the right words. We would take it step by step. When we met, we began simply. At first, the memories felt limited, mostly from childhood. He wasn’t sure there was enough to form a ceremony.

So we started with small questions. What do you remember from home? Was there something he used to cook? What would people miss about him? Gradually, things began to emerge.

A favourite meal. Time spent in the kitchen, fooling around together. Bedtime routine. Moments of patience. Small, ordinary details that had stayed with him.

It became clear that while the relationship had been complicated, there were still parts of it that could be

acknowledged honestly.

He was also clear that he did not want to deliver a eulogy himself. This meant the ceremony needed to carry that role, to speak about his father and to honour his life in a way that felt appropriate for those present.

To support this, we invited his father’s sisters to share short memories in whatever way felt easiest to them. They recorded simple voice messages, reflections and passed them on to him, which he then shared with me. From those pieces, alongside what emerged in our conversations, I was able to build a picture of his father’s life that felt balanced, respectful and manageable for the family. There were also more difficult aspects to navigate.

In recent years, his father had a partner and the son felt strongly that he did not want her present at the funeral. We spoke about what that decision might carry, not just on the day, but afterwards. About the weight of decisions made in moments of emotion and how he might have to carry it afterwards.

In the end, he chose to allow her to attend and to acknowledge her place in his father’s life in a way that felt

manageable to him.

In the days that followed, as he cleared his father’s home, he came across things he hadn’t expected, photographs, certificates from his childhood, small keepsakes. Through neighbours, he also learned that his father had spoken about him with pride, even if he had never said it directly.

Not everything had been visible. But it had been there.

For this young man, the ceremony was not about creating a perfect narrative. It was about acknowledging the reality of the relationship, what was present, what was missing and what could still be honoured.

In my training with Entheos Ireland there is a strong emphasis on understanding grief, trauma and family dynamics. We are encouraged to approach each situation without assumption, recognising that no two families, or relationships, are the same.

This means listening carefully, asking the right questions and shaping each ceremony individually, rather than relying on a fixed structure.

Maria Connaughton

Bilingual Funeral Celebrant

Funerals & Celebrations of Life Languages: English | Polish | Italian

For funeral directors, this part of the process matters.

Families are often unsure, overwhelmed or carrying complex emotions. They may feel they have nothing to say or that their situation does not fit a traditional format. My role is to meet them where they are, to guide them gently and to ensure that the ceremony reflects their reality, without pressure and without judgement.

Even in the most complicated situations, there is always a way forward.

And when a family is passed into my care, I want to make sure they are gently supported, from the first conversation through to the day of the ceremony, with clarity, sensitivity and professionalism.

Supporting funeral directors and their teams in caring for families at end of life. Crafting meaningful, unique civil ceremonies (religious, non-religious and mixed) in English, with culturally sensitive bilingual support where needed.

Dublin-based, working Ireland-wide.

Belfast funeral director, Brian Elwood, leads the way in the ‘2026 Big Dander’

The Big Dander began with one man’s determination to make a difference.

Founder Brian Elwood, after many years working in the funeral industry, became increasingly aware of the tragic rise in suicides among young people.

Through his own research, he found that mental health struggles were often at the root of these losses. Wanting to help, Brian set out to raise awareness and support a small counselling service in Lisburn, Northern Ireland—Emerge.

As a keen walker, he decided to take on a sponsored challenge along the famous Antrim Coast Road, covering more than 80 miles from Carrickfergus to Portrush. What started as a personal goal quickly gained momentum, as more and more people asked to join him.

The walk soon needed a name and it came from a meaningful moment. While visiting his friend, The Very Rev. William “Mac” McMillan, Brian shared his plan. Mac simply replied, “That’s a big dander.” The name stuck.

In July 2021, around 50 people took part in the first Big Dander, walking for four days along the Antrim Coast and raising over £8,000. More importantly, it created an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. Participants immediately wanted more.

The second event in June 2022 grew even bigger, with over 70 walkers taking on the Ards Peninsula, covering 70+ miles in three days and raising a similar total.

By 2023, The Big Dander was expanding its reach. Supporting

Lighthouse, a Belfastbased mental health charity, participants walked from near Dundalk to Newcastle, raising nearly £8,000 once again.

During that event, a new idea emerged: The Big Dander could raise funds for its own initiatives. This led to the formation of The Big Dander Association. In August 2024, a walk from Comber to Newcastle raised over £9,000 to support mental health projects across the country.

three counties. While it may be the shortest route so far, the goal is to make it the biggest in participation.

In 2025, participants completed a route from Portrush to Muff in County Donegal, a distance of 50 miles. The relatively short Big Dander in comparison to others, took place over only 2 days instead of the usual 3 days, raising over £10,000.

In total, The Big Dander has now raised nearly £40,000 for charities and mental health initiatives.

Looking ahead, the 2026 event will take place over two weekends, covering around 40 miles of scenic towpaths across

And that’s what makes The Big Dander special, it’s for everyone. You don’t need to complete the full walk. You can join for a short distance, volunteer, help with support, or simply come along and cheer. There is no age limit and no expectation, just an open invitation to be part of something meaningful. At its heart, The Big Dander is about connection. It’s a chance to walk, talk, and share experiences in a supportive environment, while raising awareness for mental health. Join us for the next ‘Big Dander’ by registering at www.thebigdander.com

A New Chapter: Strategic Acquisition Signals Growth and Renewal

In a significant move that marks both continuity and transformation, Funeral Supplies Donegal Ltd has successfully completed the acquisition of Funeral Soft Furnishings Ltd. This milestone not only preserves the legacy of a well-respected business but also ushers in a new era of innovation, strategic growth, and strengthened leadership across both organisations. Specialising in the manufacture and supply of coffin linings, soft furnishings, and associated funeral products, both companies have built strong reputations for quality craftsmanship, reliability, and attentive service. This acquisition brings together that shared expertise under one unified structure, ensuring the continuation of trusted products while creating new opportunities for innovation and growth.

Rebranded under the name Morivita Ltd, the newly unified operation represents a forward-thinking evolution of two established companies. The transition reflects a clear vision: to honour a longstanding legacy while evolving to meet the changing needs of modern funeral professionals. The acquisition also represents a strategic

geographic expansion, marking FSD’s first formal establishment in the United Kingdom. This development enhances the company’s ability to serve a broader customer base, supported by improved logistics, increased accessibility, and an expanded product offering—including a growing focus on high-quality, environmentally sustainable materials and designs.

Importantly, the transition has been carried out with a strong emphasis on continuity. Existing customers can expect the same high standards of quality and service that have long defined both businesses. Equally, the retention of experienced staff from Funeral Soft furnishings ensures that valuable industry knowledge and trusted relationships remain at the core of the business.

Commenting on the acquisition, company manager Enda Travers described the move as a long-term investment in people, partnerships, and the future direction of the sector. By aligning both companies, Morivita Ltd is well positioned to respond to evolving market needs while delivering enhanced value to its customers.

For customers who would like to learn more or explore the options available, the team at Morivita Ltd would be delighted to hear from you and discuss how we can best support your needs. Contact Enda at Tel: +353 87 7778629 or Email: enda.travers@ funeralsupplies.ie or Mark on Tel: +44 7720 708613 Email: mark.campbell@ morivita.com

New Delivery - Quinn Hearse

Jennifer Muldowney is an International event planner for memorials based in the United States of America. Known as The Glam Reaper, Jennifer blends her extensive education in business, communications, and bereavement with a passion for modern memorial planning. As an award-winning memorial planner and speaker, she has made a significant international impact in the funeral space, advocating for personalised, and environmentally conscious funerals and digital legacies. Check out her Tedx Talk ‘Grief as Unique as your Heartbeat’ and ‘The Glam Reaper Podcast’ or Muldowney Memorials (.com) to learn more.

Jennifer Muldowney

What Terramation conversations may mean for Irish Funeral Service

TerraCon was held during the first week of February 2026 in Tacoma, Washington, USA, a conference focused on terramation, also known as natural organic reduction. Now in its third year, the event continues to grow, drawing around 250 attendees. Many were local to the Pacific Northwest, and a noticeable number were women working across various parts of death care. Funeral directors, scientists, operators, celebrants, doulas, composters, regulators, and families all shared the same space, which created conversations that felt practical, open, and at times deeply personal.

For those of us working in Ireland, where burial and cremation traditions remain strong and regulation moves at a measured pace, gatherings like TerraCon offer an opportunity to observe how new forms of disposition are being introduced elsewhere and how families are responding to them in real time. Whether terramation ever becomes available in Ireland is a separate conversation. The questions being asked around it are already familiar.

Return Home, the company behind the conference, has an interesting origin story. Founder Micah Truman shared that the company began as a carbon capture concept. Over time, the work evolved into what we now know as terramation. The environmental outcome remains part of the story, but the focus has shifted toward care, participation, and the human experience surrounding the process. Micah spoke openly about how much families want to be involved in laying their person into the vessel, how ceremony has become central to the experience, and how people are seeking meaningful ways to participate rather than standing at a distance. That theme of family first carried through much of the conference. The science is important, and there was extensive discussion around process, legalities, ethics, and safety, yet conversations repeatedly returned to people and ritual. Families choosing natural organic reduction are often looking for involvement. They

want to understand what is happening and to feel connected to it. In many ways, this mirrors what Irish funeral directors have long understood. The practical elements of disposition matter, but the gathering, the presence, and the shared experience remain at the heart of the funeral.

From a technical perspective, there was also a great deal of transparency around the process itself. The average temperature the terramation unit must be held at is around 60-65 Celsius. One detail that stayed with me was learning what a picogram represents. It is one trillionth of a gram. 0.001 picogram is the level at which trace substances can sometimes be detected following the process. Research presented showed that after approximately forty days there were no detectable pathogens remaining in the soil, including concerns families often raise about seeds or organic remnants. In cases involving death due to intoxication, trace elements can initially appear in the soil, which is why monitoring and testing remain part

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of responsible operation. For funeral professionals, understanding these details allows us to answer questions clearly as families become more informed and more curious about emerging options worldwide.

Throughout TerraCon there was a clear sense that terramation forms part of a wider shift rather than standing alone as an innovation. Families are thinking more openly about environmental impact, personal values, and legacy. At the same time, their need for ritual, acknowledgement, and human connection remains unchanged. Participation, storytelling, and gathering continue to define the experience, regardless of the method of disposition.

For Irish funeral directors, the takeaway is less about whether natural organic reduction will become part of our own regulatory landscape and more about understanding how conversations around death are evolving internationally.

Families are researching more, asking more questions, and arriving with broader expectations shaped by what they see online and abroad. Funeral professionals remain the trusted guides in helping families make sense of those choices. Funeral service in Ireland has always adapted while holding firmly to its sense of community and ritual. TerraCon simply offers a glimpse into how those conversations are unfolding elsewhere and how they may shape the future in ways both familiar and new.

Civil Funeral Celebrant Padraic Cawley

T: 087 - 2676050

E: padraic@padraiccawley.ie

W: www.padraiccawley.ie

Celebrating the life of the deceased, reflecting their personal beliefs, wishes, values and traditions.

Scattering Services A gentle, meaningful farewell

Whena loved one has been cremated there is often no grave to visit. And finding a suitable place to scatter the ashes can be a problem. Scattering Services offer a unique, dignified and peaceful way to overcome this situation.

In advance the ashes are placed in a biodegradable pillow. The family and friends of the deceased are taken down river on their own private boat, to a quiet, peaceful location. When they are ready the pillow is lowered gently into the water. The pillow gradually floats away and moves slowly beneath the water. The ashes gently disperse naturally. The family watch on from the deck of the boat, and the ceremony is designed to include them in every way. The scattering is gentle, dignified and completely unrushed.

Before the scattering there is plenty of time for those onboard the boat to speak of

their loved one, play music and cast flowers on the water if they wish to.

Scattering Services offers a very dignified and professional way to scatter ashes and takes the strain of dealing with such a sensitive occasion from

the family. The family can concentrate on remembering their loved one and in the future look back on a loving and gentle experience. Their last act for their loved one will be respectful and totally fitting.

DEATH IN ROME AT EASTER

You could always know when a Ballinastockan person was telling lies... you could see their lips moving. But that changed slightly when a Tallaght man, Jack Farrell, inherited a small cottage in Kylemore which I suppose you could call it the Latin quarter of Ballinastockan and Jack and his elderly mother moved in to it. He didn’t fit in all that well with the natives because you see Jack always told the truth.

And now you are going to ask me if Jack Farrell ever told a lie. So, I’ll tell you now. He did. When I was young it was always said that you should only tell lies to your wife or the police. Well, the one lie that Jack Farrell told was to his poor old mother. A Redemptorist Missioner in the course of a rip-roaring sermon, on the evils of drink, in Lacken told the congregation that distilling the illicit spirit was a reserved sin. Which meant that the penitent would have to go to the Bishop for forgiveness? Jack had made the odd drop of poitin and he told his mother that it would be necessary for him to go to Rome for his Easter Duty, to go to confession to the Pope. So, he made his way to the Eternal city.

Daniel O’Connell died in Genoa on his way to Rome but Jack was just ready to head for home when he was bitten by an Italian Mosquito in Rome and it proved fatal. I went to Rome in 1990 for the World cup and I found a place called Bocca Della Verita, which, as you all know, means The Mouth of Truth. And it’s claimed by those that know that that’s where Jack Farrell is buried.

By Mattie Lennon

New Delivery

New Delivery

Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke

Compassionate care and support

At Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke (NICHS) we offer a wide range of care and support services for people living with chest, heart and stroke conditions. Our Care Services team works with people throughout Northern Ireland, along with their families and carers.

Our Care services and programmes include:

• Family Support Service - this service is here to support people and their families as they navigate life with a chest, heart or stroke condition. This involves an initial home visit through which we can offer practical and emotional support and find out more about an individual’s circumstances. From there, we can provide personalised advice and support plans.

• Post Rehab Exercise Programme (PREP) - PREP is a physiotherapy led, community-based course which helps rebuild people’s lives and confidence after stroke through exercise and education. It is designed for stroke survivors, who have completed the statutory rehabilitation provided by the NHS to meet their longer-term care needs.

• Breathing Better Education Programme - this programme is for anyone with a long-term chest condition which covers topics including medications, physical activity, adopting

healthy habits, sleep and moving forward well.

• Heart Strong Education Programme - this education and peer support programme is offered to those who have had a diagnosis of a heart condition. This programme is designed to help participants to learn more about their health and take the positive steps needed to move forward post diagnosis.

• Taking Control Self Management Programme - if you are living with a long-term chest, heart or stroke condition, this programme provides a range of skills which will help you to manage your condition better and improve your confidence. It also connects people with similar conditions, who understand

what it’s like to live with a long–term condition.

• Wellness Sessions - these sessions are delivered across NI and focus on secondary prevention, health promotion, physical activity, and emotional wellbeing. They offer peer support and reduce social isolation.

• Support for Carers - we have developed a video education service specifically for caregivers of people living with chest, heart and stroke conditions. The videos provide information and advice to support and offer guidance to caregivers.

For further information on our range of Care services, visit www.nichs.org.uk/ support or call us on 028 9032 0184.

NI

KIDNEY RESEARCH FUND

WARINGSTOWN CAVALCADE

Last Friday in June from 6pm

A night of music and hope for NIKRF

Supporting NI Kidney Research Fund at Stormont Buildings are Robert Scott, Seána Maguire, Dr Steve Aiken, Rev. Jim McCaughan, Prof Sir Michael McBride and Kay McLorn

Therecent concert, held in Stormont Buildings, was nothing short of amazing!

From the first note to the final bow, the atmosphere was filled with warmth, support, and kindness. It was incredible to see everyone come together, sharing the pure joy of music.

Guest of honour was our new Patron, Professor Sir Michael McBride, and host for the event was double kidney recipient and NIKRF Ambassador Stephen Watson.

Thanks to Dr Steve Aiken OBE MLA for hosting the evening and of course to our Chair Rev Jim McCaughan for sharing the wonderful news about this voluntary charity that raises vital money for research right here in NI.

The loss of a friend

By Dr Bill Webster

Terry’s best friend Gary died last year.

I have known Terry and Gary for over 70 years, because we were in school together in Scotland from the age of 5. We played on the same rugby team in High School, but our lives drifted apart when I went off to university and subsequently emigrated to Canada.

After school, both had served an apprenticeship in engineering, after which Gary had joined the armed forces and Terry was a chief engineer in the merchant navy. They, with their wives and families, stayed in touch over the years, and after they both retired, settled in their home town and continued the friendship. Every single Thursday, Terry and Gary would set out in the car for the day and have lunch together at various destinations.

When Gary died at age 79, Terry found it difficult. But in true Scottish fashion, he presented a “brave front” and a constant “I’m OK”. But at Christmas, it caught up to him and he found himself uncharacteristically emotional and depressed. I had kept in touch with them both over the years on my visits to Scotland, and was pleased when Terry called me a few months ago. “Bill” he began, “I need help.”

Having known Terry since we were kids, I knew that it had taken a lot for him to reach out and make that statement.

The loss of a friend can be just as devastating as that of any other relationship, but it is often sadly minimized. Society tends to rank losses based on a “kin-based hierarchy”. Disenfranchised grief is defined as a grief that is not openly acknowledged, socially validated, or publicly mourned. It occurs when a loss is ignored or even trivialized by others, with misguided statements like, “he was only a friend”, making it difficult for the person to express their deep grief over the loss, often

leading to isolation and unacknowledged prolonged suffering.

We can be persuaded that the loss of a friend is “unfortunate”, but rule out its severity and impact on the bereaved. Sometimes a friend who has known someone all their life is expected not to grieve themselves, but to support the immediate family in their loss. Now, of course, the bereaved spouse, children, parents, grandparents and siblings are deeply affected and fully deserve support and sympathy, but that should not take away the importance of the friend’s loss and their need to express grief.

For Terry the loss of his friend was like the loss of a brother, shaped by the relationship they shared over a lifetime

We all have friends throughout our lives.

a) Losing a friend as a child

I have never forgotten Ian who was in our class through grade 7 and who died of leukemia at age 12. It had a huge impact on our entire school, but in those days it wasn’t talked about, and Ian simply disappeared from our midst. I have never forgotten Ian.

It can be very difficult and traumatic for children whose coping mechanisms are not developed sufficiently to come to terms with any loss far less someone of their own age. The realization is likely to raise questions about their own mortality and safety as well as that of their parents, siblings, friends and others in their lives.

When children are grieving the loss of a friend, it’s important to explain how that loss will affect them. Parents and teachers should encourage them to ask questions about their friend or loss and be as honest as possible with their answers. In the UK, death education has recently been introduced as part of the

curriculum, which is a great step forward.

b) Losing a friend as an adult

The death of adult friends, colleagues, or even managers is not always acknowledged as being as significant as family members, but if we are spending one third of our lives with them in the workplace there surely will be an impact.

But in addition to death, many struggle with other losses like life-changing illness, accident, injury or disability, being laid-off, business closures, and early or even timely retirement which can result in the loss of friendship.

After any death or loss, it is often difficult for a grieving worker to communicate to coworkers the significance of their relationship with the person who died. We need to understand what this person has lost. What did this friend bring to my life, and what did I bring to theirs? Grief is intensified by the relationship that has been lost. Some people are closer to their work buddies than to their own family.

c) Losing a friend in later life

The death of a friend in later life can trigger

First you hurt, then you heal

Dr. Bill Webster understands grief not just in theory, but also from personal experience. In his book, “First you Hurt, Then you Heal”, Dr. Bill outlines a road map for the grief journey in a series of articles that take us through the process.

He begins with a chapter entitled “I Didn’t Plan for This” that gives people an understanding of what they may experience in the early days after a loss. The book then goes on to give us an understanding of grief, some insights into various situations of loss, and some strategies to help us work through the process.

This book will be a helpful resource for those who are going through a grief process as well as containing much relevant and practical information for

anxieties about our own mortality and the inevitable process of aging and death. We cannot minimize the situation because the person was “just a friend” or pretend we ourselves are not affected by it.

Being in a friendship with someone is a complex process which is based on respect, trust and admiration. You are going to miss them. Life without that a friend is not easy especially if the loss is not validated or supported. Grieving people need to be kind to themselves and allow plenty of time to grieve their loss.

The emotional high that Terry got over the years from the release of endorphins whilst laughing and having a good time with his friend Gary has been cut short and replaced with a mountain of sadness after his death,

Those who lose a close friend need to help each other climb that mountain in order to move forward with our lives. I am glad Terry called me, and now I always look forward to our weekly phone chats.

those who would like to know what they can say and how they can help someone who has experienced a significant loss. It will also serve as a basic knowledge and layman’s guide for those in the helping professions such as nurses, teachers, funeral directors and those who seek to support grieving people, young and old, through their work. “First you Hurt, Then you Heal” provides practical, down to earth and effective insight into one of the most difficult topics and most misunderstood experiences of life.

First you Hurt, Then you Heal: A Road Map for the Grief Journey (Kindle Edition) is available to buy on Amazon.

Saif NewS Saif NewS

Continuing momentum in Northern Ireland

Frustration continues to grow around ongoing delays in the redevelopment of cremation facilities at Roselawn. At a time when cremation rates are rising and capacity is already under pressure, the lack of progress is being felt not just by funeral directors, but by families across Northern Ireland.

However, this is not an issue being faced in isolation. Through coordinated engagement between SAIF and the National Association of Funeral Directors and continued dialogue via the All-Party Group for Funerals and

Bereavement at Stormont, alongside targeted media engagement and lobbying, efforts are being intensified to ensure future provision meets the needs of the public.

As SAIF’s Declan Maguire commented: “While the delays at Roselawn are deeply frustrating, what is encouraging is the level of collective effort now underway. By working together across the sector and engaging directly with policymakers, we are determined to ensure that families in Northern Ireland are properly served in the years ahead.”

Member engagement and sector updates

Building on the strong turnout highlighted previously, members reconvened at the Dunsilly Hotel to receive a further update following the latest All-Party Group meeting on 17th February 2026. The session provided an opportunity to reflect on progress, share frontline experiences and continue shaping the sector’s response to emerging challenges.

A key part of the meeting was a presentation from Declan Walsh of Humanists UK, who outlined the evolving role of funeral celebrants and the increasing diversity in how services are delivered. This prompted valuable discussion among members on standards, choice and the future landscape of funeral service provision.

Regulation on the horizon

Regulation is increasingly a consistent theme across the sector. Developments in England and the implementation of a statutory framework in Scotland have brought the issue into sharper focus.

Within Northern Ireland, there is a growing recognition that regulation is likely to follow. The collective view is that it is not a question of if, but when.

As Declan Maguire noted: “Our priority is to lead the conversation, as we have elsewhere in the UK. We intend to work with government and industry partners to establish a regulator task group focused on developing a solution tailored to Northern Ireland, recognising that proposals emerging in England are likely to be England-specific.”

Focus on what you do best.

While SAIF promotes and protects your independent interests.

We know how much you value your independence.

The funeral industry may have changed but our passion for supporting our members has remained the same. We represent you on the issues that matter, from improving understanding of funeral pricing to influencing the legislation which a ects your future Let us take care of the big picture so you can focus locally on what you do best.

For over 30 years SAIF has been promoting and protecting the interests and values of independent funeral directors. Supporting our members is at the heart of everything we do, listening, responding and engaging to secure your independent future.

Visit saif.org.uk or call us on 0345 230 6777 or 01279 726777

Saif NewS Saif NewS

Strengthening education across both regions

Following a meeting of the newly formed SAIF Scotland and Northern Ireland Executive, it was agreed that future education days will alternate between both regions. This approach

ensures accessibility for members while strengthening collaboration and consistency in professional development. The programme will commence with Scotland hosting the first education

day in September 2026, with Northern Ireland to follow, reinforcing a shared commitment to raising standards and supporting members through a period of significant change.