Funeral Times Issue 1 2022

The magazine for Funeral Directors in Ireland

2022 Vol.22 No.1

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The magazine for Funeral Directors in Ireland

Brady’s celebrate 100 years in business 4

Bryan Murphy new CEO at Fanagan’s 24

Contents Brady’s celebrate 100 years in business...............................................................4 How people choose a funeral director............................................................12 IAFD News......................................................................................................................14 Bryan Murphy new CEO at Fanagan’s...............................................................24 BIE News .......................................................................................................................26 Padraic Cawley on changing times.....................................................................28 To Hastag or not to Hastag, by Eimer Duffy...................................................32 Corrigan’s Ricky O’Neill receives his Funeral Directors Certificate..... 34 Kidney Research Fund continue work through Covid............................... 36 Rory McKeown on what we have learned about the Covid case……..44 Chest Heart & Stroke on 7 ways to stay healthy.........................................48 NAFD News .................................................................................................................54 Mattie Lennon on Grief Cafes and Clar Graveyard.................................... 63 Jennifer Muldowney on the Virtual Cremation Success Seminar.......64 SAIF News ....................................................................................................................66 Dr Bill Webster on Out of the Bucket and into the Basin.......................70 Classifieds .....................................................................................................................79

Corrigan’s Ricky O’Neill receives his Funeral Directors Certificate 34

EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING CONTACTS: Graham Brown, Ruth McQuillan, Vikki Crangle, Paula Hanna Tel: (028) 3835 5060 (048) from ROI Funeral Times is owned and published by: InHouse Publications, 1 Annagh Drive, Craigavon, Co. Armagh BT63 5WF E: sales@funeraltimes.com

Disclaimer: Readers are urged to support the magazine’s advertisers, but the publishers cannot be held responsible for any claims made or implied in the advertisements. The publishers reserve the right to refuse advertising. Opinions expressed in this magazine by contributing writers and advertisers are not necessarily those of the publishers. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contributed for inclusion in this magazine but no legal responsibility will be accepted by the publishers for loss arising from the use of published articles. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior consent. Articles and photographs for inclusion are welcomed but the publishers cannot accept responsibility for their loss or damage however caused.

FuneralTimes | 3

An Elphin business surpassing one hundred years

Cathal’s grandfather Patrick outside the shop on Main Street - August 1935

A business institution in the heart of Elphin, Brady’s Funeral Directors and Travel Agents has this year celebrated one hundred years in business.

N

ow in its third generation of the family, the business is in the hands of Cathal Brady and his wife Mary (neé Carroll) who hails from Kilmore. The family enterprise was started by Patrick Brady back in 1921.

The business continued under the stewardship of Patrick’s son Sean (Cathal’s father) from 1948, the year of Patrick’s untimely death, until Sean’s own untimely death in July 1987 following a short illness.

Despite the ups and downs of any business, the Brady brand name has continued to endure and survive thanks to its professionalism, knowhow and attention to detail in ensuring the two arms of its business are run efficiently and smoothly.

Cathal himself has been in the business since 1987, the year of his father Sean’s passing, who died at a mere 63 years of age after a short illness. Visitors to the family Funeral Home will be aware of his portrait that hangs in the hallway of the building.

After Sean’s death, Cathal took over the running of both the Funeral Home and Travel

4 | FuneralTimes

Agency. And while the principles of the former industry remain constant, the latter business has evolved significantly in those 34 years.

Looking back, Cathal recalls that time vividly, proving that the fates can intervene in life when we least expect them: “I had been working in Dublin at the time in 1987. After Christmas, my father had the flu. I had already been helping out in the business, helping my Dad with the Funerals.

“My brother John had gone to the USA. My father in the Easter of ’87 had been diagnosed with cancer and he died in July. I had been working with Quinnsworth (the well-known chain of Supermarkets) before working with my brother Aidan, who had opened a restaurant on Drury Street in Dublin.

“My father’s death was a shock to us all. He had been working in the business for thirty-nine years. He had been Treasurer of Roscommon GAA County Board for twenty six years. He was born in Killina, between Tulsk and Elphin and he married my Mother Mary (nee Leyden) who was from Knockvicar” says Cathal.

Like all the shops of that time, the Brady to change and evolve. “My Uncle Kevin did business sold a cornucopia of goods. Cathal’s run a ‘Travelling Shop’ which finished in 1969. grandfather Patrick was an Undertaker and Those types of shops, whereby you went to maker of coffins. As well as being a Travel Agent, the customer rather than the customer coming he also ran a grocery and sold Pierce machinery to you, were very popular in the early years, and operated a bakery too! before business began to change.

“My grandfather bought the business off the “In the early days of the shop, we had Hurst family. My grandmother Kathleen (nee customers from over a ten mile radius from the Collins) from Smithfield just outside Elphin likes of Ballinagare, Mantua, Killina, Kilmore, helped to run the business – she was known as Tulsk and Ballinameen. The business sold animal one formidable lady!” says Cathal, smiling. feed stuffs up to the 1970’s and by the 1980’s, “But really both my grandfather and the grocery had finished. grandmother were a ‘double act’ in the business.

“My father began to concentrate more on She operated an ‘open house’ and Friday every the Travel Agency then. He had a business in week was the big day for business where she’d Carrick-on-Shannon as well as the Undertaking sell the old IRL coffee and soup from the stove business” says Cathal, who is the third youngest in the kitchen! in a family of nine – eight brothers Declan, “My grandfather started the Undertaking Fintan, Aidan, John, Paul, Cathal himself, Coman business immediately on taking over the firm. and Enda as well as one sister, Gina.

There were five businesses locally where you From the early days, the Brady family, could buy coffins. He operated a horse drawn and particularly Sean also developed the hearse until 1953 until he bought a new Vauxhall Undertaking side of the business: “My father Wyvern motorised hearse. always kept a quantity of coffins as well as Despite the challenges of economic recession ‘habits’ (the funeral garment worn by the in the 1920’s and 1930’s during the formative deceased as they were laid out in their coffin). years of the Irish State and the privations of war and further economic stagnation in the But going back to my grandfather’s time, 1950’s, the Brady business flourished. there was a full undertaking service Perhaps that prosperity from day one.” was due ironically to the “The hearse was also the harsh climate of that big thing for a Funeral time, which triggered and still is. Often, you considerable would collect a family emigration. As a member and go with fledgling Travel them accompanied Agency that soon by the body of the got its wings, Brady’s deceased to the was very often the mortuary. Today, first point of call you still collect for those taking the the remains of the emigrant boat or deceased and bring plane, as the business them to the Church. It’s was originally an Agent a very important part of for the Dublin Steam the business.

Pack company.

Despite a good formative While Patrick passed away Sean Brady business grounding in those early in 1948, Kathleen continued years, the untimely passing of Sean to support the business until her meant the mantle now passed to Cathal. “I passing in 1977. The bakery itself operated until remember when my father died, Gina said to the 1960’s, which heralded the beginning of me ‘you’d better wait around for a few weeks to a focus more on the Undertaking and Travel help out’. Little did I realise, 34 years side of the business as consumer habits began FuneralTimes | 5

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on, I’d still be waiting around!” laughs Cathal.

“I was only twenty years of age when I started out. I had little experience other than driving the hearse occasionally for my father. I had to learn fast, but two to three years into the job, I learned pretty quickly – I was thrown in at the deep end”, recalls Cathal.

But the young man was a good learner and the principles of the trade that he learned in those early years, are principles he continues to hold dearly: “I learned a lot from my father. As the Undertaker, you always have to be careful and mindful how you speak to the family of the deceased.

“It’s important you show empathy and compassion but it’s also important to detach yourself a little to allow families concerned to come to terms with their loss, which is very particular to them. You invest a lot of yourself in the job and you’ve got to understand that people have a lot to sort out and a lot to do at the time of a death or Funeral.

“One of my main roles is to advise people what to do. That could be anything from the type of coffin they choose for their loved one, to a reading or a prayer or ordering flowers. My father was a charismatic individual and a good judge of people with a good sense of humour which helps – he had the ability to say the right thing at the right time.”

“My mother was another people’s person. She always loved meeting and helping people in the business. She was always a great support to my late Dad, as she was to me when I was starting out”, says Cathal.

As the country began to modernise, so too did the concept of the Funeral. The move which began in the 1980’s, saw a shift from the traditional style of wake in the family home to a more formalised structure of the deceased reposing in a Funeral Home.

Moving with those times, Cathal opened his own Funeral Home in 1990, which in his own words, “has proven to be very successful”, adding: “some people still like the tradition of the deceased reposing at their home, but there has been a shift.

“Other people like the idea of the deceased reposing at the Funeral Home before being transferred to the Church for Funeral Mass on the evening before or on the morning of the Mass. There’s also a preference for the

Cathal and Mary outside the funeral home Funeral Home, combined with the body of the deceased being returned to their home on the eve of their Funeral.

“The embalming side of Funeral Directing has grown considerably in recent years and we have an embalming room at the rear of the Funeral Home. More and more people are going for cremation of their loved one, rather than the traditional burial. There have also been changes in coffins that are being used” says Cathal.

But of all the rituals that have been affected by the difficulties of Covid-19, arguably the traditional Irish Funeral of people coming together, paying their respects, giving the deceased ‘a good send-off’ as it were, was the most undermined.

For all that though, Cathal believes that those rituals, handed down generations, will return and endure. “The first lockdown was extremely difficult, not just for families but also for us as Undertakers. I really felt for families who couldn’t have people at their Funerals.

“It is going back to the way it was with Funerals but it has changed. People are now looking at the ‘one day Funeral’ whereby the deceased is both reposing and being buried on the one day.

But I think the ritual of people coming together to look after each other, will continue despite this pandemic.

“The Covid situation was a new one for us FuneralTimes | 7

as Undertakers. You had to try and guide the family as best you could under the restrictions.

Many deceased leave instructions but because this was a new situation, it was even harder.

“It was very difficult to say to families that there were limitations on people attending Funerals. Most families were very understanding but you had to look out for them as well. But

ultimately you are there for people in time of need – that’s what the job is all about.”

Together with his wife Mary, the couple have three children, Sean, who Cathal says “threatens to do the job in the future” leading to a possible fourth generation of the family continuing the family tradition. As well as Sean there’s also Amy and Aaron.

Travelling through time the Brady way For the intrepid or not so intrepid traveller, Brady’s was very often the standard port of call when booking a foreign holiday or trip.

However the days of package holidays, arranging tickets for emigrants, returning or otherwise, have changed. The business of travel, has, to a large extent gone online, a fact not lost on Cathal. Recently the family’s office in Carrick closed to concentrate or focus on the online business model.

“My grandfather started selling tickets for the boats, particularly the emigrant boats. He was an Agent for the Dublin Steam Pack company.

My father was a founder member of the Irish Travel Association back in the 1960’s” recalls Cathal.

But as the 1960’s came, a quiet revolution was taking place as people broadened their travel horizons. The advent of the ‘package holiday’ and the marketing of travel destinations, particularly on the Mediterranean was matched by an insatiable appetite for people to travel further and to more exotic locations.

“In the 1960’s my father opened a Travel Agency 8 | FuneralTimes

in Carrick-on-Shannon in addition to the one he already had in Elphin. If you had a travel licence, as my father had, you dealt with all the operations. Luckily my father was very friendly with Joe Walsh, founder of JWT (Joe Walsh Tours).

My father organised diocesan pilgrimages initially. I think the Bishop of the time may not have been too happy with ‘rival pilgrimages’ being organised by my father, but I think it all worked out well for everyone in the finish!” recalls Cathal.

“My father was also an active member of the Irish Travel Association. It was my grandfather who used to say in the early days of the business that Brady’s was the destination where all you needed was ‘a good pair of working boots and a one way ticket to England!”

“Emigration drove much of our travel business in the early days – about 80% of the total business went to the UK and the rest to New York. As time went by into the 1960’s and 1970’s that extended into continental European markets.”

By the 1970’s, more and more people were choosing to opt

for a little or a lot of sun on their backs. Falcon Holidays came to Ireland in the early 1970’s and tapped into the ever growing demand for travel to destinations in Spain, Italy and the likes of Portugal.

“My father and later myself, dealt with all the major travel operators such as Budget, Falcon and the aforementioned JWT. Today, 70% of people book their holidays on the internet. But there’s still a livelihood to be made from package group tours and excursions.

“However Covid-19 has had a major impact with travellers having to do PCR tests. It’s been a nightmare trying to organise trips when restrictions have been put in place or people haven’t been able to travel because of a positive test.

“The last ten years has seen an increase in cruise holidays which have been booked through us. I did a travel course in Dublin when I was younger and used to go to the main travel shows to see the latest trends and meet with fellow travel operators.

“The last three to four years were difficult in the business, what with Covid and the changes in travel patterns.

There have been so many ‘stop-starts’. But people are still booking trips for 2022, so there’s still a level of optimism out there.

“Into the future, we will still be doing travel packages like for Roscommon GAA matches in New York for example or for other sporting occasions.

The Irish will continue to be good travellers into the future” predicts Cathal.

“All of us worked hard in the family business – you have to.

It’s about anticipating trends, staying true to your principles and being professional and

showing compassion and support to people, particularly in the Funeral end of the business.

Many people have helped me along the way. The late Kieran Molloy has been a big help to me but also to my father down through the years – he used to love shining the hearse and was so dependable. My brother-inlaw Anthony (Carroll, Manager of the Roscommon Masters football team) has helped and deputised for me as an Undertaker for over 28 years.

“My wife Mary has also been

a tremendous support” says Cathal, proving there is no ‘I’ in ‘Team Brady’ and the women in the family, stretching back three generations, have been a foundation pillar in their business success story.

One hundred years on, why has the Brady business endured in the face of competition and changing business trends? “When I started I was enthusiastic and that hasn’t changed. If I had to do it all over again in my 34 years, I’d do it the very same.

I guess my grandfather and father would say the same.”

For more information please contact us on T: 071 963 5006 Email: cathalbradyfd@gmail.com Web: bradysfuneraldirctors.ie or find us on facebook.

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The way that people choose a funeral director is changing I

met a school friend recently who I hadn’t seen in a few years. She asked “what are you doing with yourself now?”

When I told her I was working for a funeral director her response was “I don’t know what to say to that!” However, she recovered quickly, and then the questions began.

For me, this happens very regularly. I am ‘Generation X’.

Born between 1965 and 1980, typical qualities include being tech-savvy and having high expectations with regard to service quality and transparency. Guilty as charged! People my age have a curiosity about the funeral business, and aren’t afraid to ask questions our parents wouldn’t have dreamed of asking. Answering these questions creates a trust which lasts long after that interaction is over.

Thanks to online video platforms and television documentaries, broad information and understanding of our services is increasing.

However, when you take this down to a local level, the need to be discreet and respectful can lead to a fear of putting ourselves out there too much. Many small to medium sized funeral directors also have a second business as a regular income source, and this juggling act can leave very little time to think about how we can make our services known to our local community.

12 | FuneralTimes

Aine Tuffy Gagarty, Client Manager, Funeral Director Solutions Have you ever searched online for your business or for funeral directors in your area? Google has replaced the phone book as the first place to look for a contact number. If you don’t have a Google listing, Facebook page or website, how will people find you? “Everybody knows me” isn’t necessarily true in a generation when many people don’t even know who lives next door to them. Funeral Director Solutions can show you how to ensure that your service will be suggested when a customer searches for a local funeral service provider.

An online presence gives you visibility and credibility. It doesn’t have to be extravagant or complicated; you just have to be there. Marcus Sheridan, world renowned marketing expert, says “address the questions of your clients and prospects or someone else will”. Your online presence can be your hardest working and cheapest employee, working day and night on your behalf

with very little effort required from you.

Once you have been found and contacted, another very easy way to provide transparency and create trust is to provide a clear indication of how much your services will cost. Breaking these down into the main categories of professional services fees, coffin cost and third party costs will let families know what they are paying for, and how much they can expect it all to cost. They can prepare themselves for how they are going to pay, and make adjustments in line with their budget and wishes. Estimate forms, coffin brochures and company brochures outlining typical third party costs are an easy way to communicate your fees. Families can take these away from their meeting with you, and make decisions based on their own situation and preferences.

Funeral Director Solutions can help you to be found online, and when you have been contacted by a customer, we can help you to communicate a clear pricing structure in a professional way.

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FuneralTimes | 13

IAFD News Message from Dara Gillespie – President

A

s we left behind another difficult year, we wanted to extend our sincere thanks to all funeral directors for their cooperation and understanding during a very challenging time for funerals in Ireland.

We face into a New Year with renewed hope for better things to come and the Board of IAFD will continue to work on behalf of our members to deliver the level of quality and professionalism which is enshrined in the IAFD. Wishing you a happy, safe and healthy 2022.

Annual General Meeting 2021 Our AGM was held on November 20th in the Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork. The Board made a very difficult and regrettable decision to cancel the dinner dance this decision was

very much mindfully made for the safety of all our members following continuous review of the increasing number of Covid infections along with the restrictions at that time.

Pictured left to right - Back row - Dermot McCarthy, Niall Mulligan - Hon. Treasurer, Kylie Gourley, Fintan Cooney - Membership Officer, Niamh Sweeney - Education Officer, Keith Greaney - Hon. Secretary, Tom Lawless - 1st Vice President. Front row – Dara Gillespie - Incoming President, Donal Forde - Outgoing President, Robert Fanagan - Immediate Past President 14 | FuneralTimes

IAFD News For health reasons Edwina Fitzgerald and Robert Fanagan resigned from the Board. Mary Cunniffe and Dermot McCarthy also retired from the Board. However, Mary Cunniffe, having completed four consecutive terms, stood for election for an additional term and was elected.

The Board thank Edwina, Robert and Dermot for their commitment and dedication over

the last number of years and wish Robert and Edwina a speedy return to good health.

John Mark Griffin, John Griffin & Son, Limerick and Peter Maguire, Massey Bros. Dublin were also elected to the Board.

During the AGM certificates were presented to some of the students who had completed Funeral Directing Certificate Award (FDCA)

Rosemary and Clodagh Gabriel receiving their certificates

Susan Cox receiving her certificate from Donal Forde and Niamh Sweeney

Ricky O’Neill receiving his certificate from Donal Forde and Niamh Sweeney FuneralTimes | 15

IAFD News

Mediahuis had kindly supplied concert tickets to be auctioned at the Dinner Dance and very generously suggested we auction them at the AGM when the dinner was cancelled due to pandemic. We were delighted to raise €1850 for https://dogsfordisabled.ie/ and thank all those who attended for their generosity.

Appointment of new Board Members Peter Maguire Peter is a third generation funeral director with Massey Bros., with a keen interest in establishing and maintaining high standards in the industry. He lives in Dublin with his wife and two young children and is looking forward to working with his IAFD colleagues to improve funeral services nationwide.

16 | FuneralTimes

IAFD News John Mark Griffin John-Mark is Managing Director of Griffin Funerals, a six generation family business, established in 1860, based in Limerick, where he lives with his young family.

He has a MA in Business Management and a keen attention to detail. He believes in finding the best way to guide families through a difficult time. He hopes to offer support, help develop the industry, and learn from other colleagues and board members of the IAFD.

Benefits of joining Irish Association of Funeral Directors • Membership of a professional organisation recognised by the general public • Board of funeral professionals available to assist members • Funeral director led organisation for promoting and developing standards of funeral service including a Code of Practice for all Members • Representation of Members with Government, local authorities and media • Unique all island network of funeral directors • Professional Indemnity Insurance included as part of Membership fees • Dispute resolution and Mediation -including legal advisory service • Access to IAFD education programme • Links to other trade associations FuneralTimes | 17

IAFD Contacts Dara Gillespie (President) Finlays Funeral Service Tierney Street Ardee, Co. Louth Mobile: 086 7923472 Email: dara.gillespie@finlaygrp.com

Fintan Cooney (Membership Officer) Fanagans 54 Aungier Street Dublin 2 Ph: 01 4167700 Email: fintanjen@gmail.com

Tom Lawless (First Vice President) Lawless Funeral Directors Mucklagh, Tullamore, Co. Offaly Ph: 057 9322622 Email: info@tullamorefunerals.ie

Niamh Sweeney (Education Officer) John Sweeney and Sons Fairgreen Arklow Co Wicklow Ph: 0402 32333 Email: niamh@johnsweeneyandsons.ie

Donal Forde (Immediate Past President) Forde & Sons Funeral Home South Gate Bridge Cork, Co. Cork Ph: 021 4318222 Email: fordes@indigo.ie Keith Greaney (Hon. Secretary) Conneely Funeral Directors Flood Street Galway 091 562866 keithgreaney@gmail.com Niall Mulligan (Hon. Treasurer) Heffernan’s Funeral Directors Trim, Co. Meath Mobile: 086 8208501 Ph: 046 9438662 Email: heffernansfd@gmail.com Mary Cunniffe (PRO) Massey Bros Funeral Home Templeogue Village Dublin 6W Mobile: 085 8010742 Ph: 01 4907601 Email: mary.cunniffe@hotmail.com 18 | FuneralTimes

Kylie Gourley Funeral Partners Northern Ireland 300 Newtownards Road Belfast BT4 1HF Ph: 028 9045 1021 Email: kylie.gourley@funeralpartners.com John Mark Griffin Griffin Funerals John’s Gate Pennywell Limerick Ph: 061 415000 Email: johnmark@griffinfunerals.com Peter Maguire Massey Bros Crumlin Road, Dublin Ph: 01 4541666 Email: peter@masseybros.com

Frank Campbell at his Desk

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FuneralTimes | 1

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Funeral Partners begins the year by investing in facilities to support local communities Funeral Partners’ Northern Ireland businesses began 2022 with their local communities in mind, with a £20,000 refurbishment in Donaghadee and a photography competition in County Antrim being two of the initiatives designed to support local families.

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hields of Donaghadee Funeral Directors is delighted to offer families a brand-new chapel of rest, additional arranging room and improved facilities after a £20,000 investment

by Funeral Partners.

The upgrades have made the funeral home more accessible and appealing to local families, who were quick to share their positive feedback with the Shields of Donaghadee team.

Funeral Arranger and Administrator Terrie Mallon said: “We and Funeral Partners wanted to use the £20,000 to benefit local families.

“People have commented on the funeral home feeling bright, modern and uplifting which has been great to hear.”

Funeral Partners planned on investing in refurbishment after acquiring Shields of Terrie Mallon outside the recently renovated Shields of Donaghadee Funeral Directors

Inside the revamped Shields of Donaghadee Funeral Directors 22 | FuneralTimes

Donaghadee at the end of 2019. However, the logistical challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic meant works couldn’t proceed until late 2021.

The small town of Donaghadee was excited to visit the funeral directors again after it reopened in January, complete with extended ceilings, modern decorations and a new heating system.

Terrie said: “Hearing local families ask questions about what we’re doing and when we’re reopening makes us appreciate being part of such a lovely community.”

Staying connected through photography To connect with Northern Irish communities a number of stunning submissions across while maintaining safe social distancing, Northern Ireland to judge, from Portaferry to Mulhollands Funeral Directors asked people Ballintoy. They decided to award first place to to send in pictures of wildlife, nature and Clive Harbinson, owner of Carrickfergus Street the environment to be in with the chance Photography, for his shot of the river running of winning £200-worth of photography under a bridge in Tullymore Forest Park. equipment.

Clive said: “I went to the park to take a series Mulhollands’ initiative marks the second of photos for Carrickfergus Street Photography photography competition run by a Funeral and a strong wind Partners funeral home suddenly picked up, in Northern Ireland, swirling leaves all around with James Brown & the river.

Sons Funeral Directors in “I set the camera’s Belfast and John Gray & exposure delay to 20 Co. Funeral Directors in seconds which created a Bangor, Newtownards beautiful ripple effect of and Holywood hosting the leaves racing across a successful contest in the surface.”

November.

Mulhollands Funeral Regional Development Directors awarded Clive Clive Harbinson’s winning shot Director Julian a £200 photography Hodgkinson and voucher for the winning Peter Mulholland, Business Consultant at shot, which he plans to spend on new camera Mulhollands Funeral Directors, received filters. He explained: “Various filters can help smooth out and enhance scenery which, as a primarily landscape photographer, will help me secure more shots like this one.”

Clive concluded with some advice for the runners-up: “Make sure you always bring the right equipment for the right shot. There’s nothing worse than being unprepared when the scenery suddenly aligns for a great photo.”

Carrickfergus Street Photography can be found on Facebook and Instagram.

To keep up to date with Mulhollands Beverley Brown, Marketing Manager at Funeral Partners with competition winner Clive Harbinson Funeral Directors’ latest community and Business Consultant of Mulhollands Funeral activities, visit www. mulhollandsfuneral Directors Peter Mulholland directors.com and follow them on Facebook.

F

Thinking about selling your business?

uneral Partners is interested in further expansion in Northern Ireland and would be happy to have an informal and confidential chat with any Funeral Directors who are considering selling their businesses. Contact Chief Executive Officer Sam Kershaw directly on 07834 531822 or email: sam.kershaw@funeralpartners.co.uk, or get in touch with Acquisition & Mergers Director Steve Wilkinson on 07528 970 531 or email: steve.wilkinson@funeralpartners.co.uk. www.funeralpartnersnorthernireland.com FuneralTimes | 23

Fanagan Group appoints new CEO Jody Fanagan is stepping down as Managing Director of the Fanagan Group after nine years in the role. Jody will remain as a full-time Executive Director in the Group and he will also focus on his day-to-day funeral director role.

The Board announced the appointment of a new Group CEO, Bryan Murphy.

Bryan is currently Director of Operations and has been with the Fanagan Group for five years. He will take up the position in February this year.

Bryan Murphy Jody Fanagan described Bryan’s appointment as “a significant moment for the

New Delivery -

Fanagan Group with a new CEO at the helm. It enables the Fanagan family to dedicate their efforts to providing excellent service directly to our client families. Bryan Murphy is the ideal candidate to lead the Group strategy going forward”.

Fanagans Board of Directors said “we would like to wish Bryan every success in this new role and to sincerely thank Jody for his truly outstanding contribution to the company during his tenure as Managing Director of the Group”.

Quinn Hearse and Limousine

Andrew Gallagher from Gallagher Funeral Directors, Mountcharles collects his newly built Quinn Passat Hearse 24 | FuneralTimes

BIE News BIE News Ireland Division Hi All, Happy New Year Everyone! I hope everyone has a happy and healthy 2022. As you are aware we had our AGM and first meeting of 2022 via zoom on the 9th January. I appreciate everybody who attended and supported us on the day. I would like to say a huge thank you to our president Bobby Hopkin-Hoggarth for attending with us, it was great to have your knowledge and support on the day.

It was unfortunate we had to cancel our face to face meeting due to Covid19 restrictions, myself and our secretary Jenny had a great day planned for our members.

This only means one thing - our next meeting will be extra big with an exciting day planned ahead. For now our next meeting will be held on Sunday 3rd April 2022 and want everyone to make an extra effort to attend. We have a good few certificates to present and we have four new students this year and I would like to give them a warm welcome into our division. These people are going to be the future for our division and we need to move forward on a positive note. This year will be a fun and educative year all going well with Covid19 restrictions.

So fingers crossed we won’t be effected.

It’s looking like things may be coming back to a bit of normality with this year’s 26 | FuneralTimes

conference going ahead in Durham in April.

From what I’m after hearing it will be a great event to attend and to support our President Bobby. Also this year Keele Educational Weekend should be going ahead which it would be great to support with a fun filled educational weekend. Just a gentle reminder also to our members that membership subscription is due for anyone who hasn’t paid it.

On a final note, I’m looking forward to meeting you all at our next meeting in April and also our new students! Stay safe everyone!

BIE Irish Chairperson Niamh Cusack

List of BIE Officers and Appointed Representatives for 2021/2022 IRISH DIVISION Chairperson: Niamh Cusack MBIE Ballingowan West, Villierstown, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford.

Tel: 086 3744x762 E: cusackembalmings@gmail.com

NORTHERN IRELAND DIVISION Chairman Pat Harley, MBIE 67 Creggan Road, L’derry BT48 9DA Tel: 07712 899137 E: pat.harley@hotmail.co.uk

2nd Vice Chairperson: Robert Fehily MBIE Strand Road, Carrigaline, Co. Cork Tel: 087 660919 E: robertfehily@gmail.com

Vice Chairman: Mrs N Taggart, MBIE 11 Alderley Crescent, Newtownabbey BT36 7WY Tel: 07917 220073 E: nikkiknockaning@aol.com

Secretary: Jennifer Tighe MBIE St. Patrick Street, Boyle, Co. Roscommon Tel: 086 8854333 E: Jennytighe30@yahoo.com

1st National Council Representative: Laurence O’Neill MBIE 98 Stewartstown Road, Belfast BT11 9JP Tel: 028 9062 0099 E: oneill8210@hotmail.com

Treasurer: John Hawe MBIE 12 Meadow Vale, Smith’s Road, Charleville, Co. Cork Mobile: 087 6390087 E: jmhawe@eircom.net

2nd National Council Representative: Ellison Sloan MBIE Tel: 028 3833 6175

Public Relations Offcer: Cyril Gantley MBIE 336 Kildare Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12 Mobile: 085 7671582 E: cyril.gantley@mortuaryscience.ie

Treasurer: Andrew McMullan MBIE 22 High Street, Ballymoney Co. Antrim BT53 6AQ Tel: 028 2766 2265 E: andrew@mcmullanfunerals. com

Professional Standards Rep: Susan Moran 20 Cedarwood Park, Newbridge, Co. Kildare Mobile: 086 0619500 E: susan.moran@mortuaryscience.ie

Secretary: Liam Edwin Boyle, MBIE 4 Bradford Place Belfast BT8 7AW Tel: 07713 575501 E: liamboyle15@hotmail.co.uk Public Relations Offcer: Ciaran Bailie Tel. 07523 477852 27 Navan Court Armagh

1st Educational Committee Representative: Stephen Shields MBIE James Brown & Sons 300 Newtownards Road, Belfast Tel: 028 9045 1021 E: jamesbrown.belfast@ funeralpartners.com Student Liaison Officer Charlie Poots MBIE National President: Bobby Hopkin-Hoggarth MBIE Imm. Past President: Dr Phil Gore MBIE 1st Vice President: Dianne Hughes National PRO & National General Secretary: Karen Caney FBIE White Meadow Cottage, Brailsford, Derby DE6 3DA Tel: 01335 361419 Mobile: 07786 432014 E: karencaney@btinternet.com National Treasurer: Michael Liddle FBIE 10 Yew Tree Close, Silsoe MK45 4EQ Business Tel: 01582 490005 Home Tel: 01525 860117 E: michael@silsloe.wanadoo.co.uk 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: David Kaye FBIE Student Liaison Officer: David Coster MBIE FuneralTimes | 27

Changing times of the pandemic W

anger, sadness, staying at home, long queues, e are now just shy of two years from patience, numbers, and at times, utter the beginning of the pandemic, and our exhaustion from the silent stresses the world has gone through some seismic changes. pandemic brought.

A time which saw many of us grapple with new But it has also been a time of new discoveries, technologies in order to try and connect with of an awareness of the world around us – of each other. A time which saw many of our communities rallying together, cementing habits and social norms that we always took for friendships, supporting our frontline workers by granted, being frowned upon or seen as alien! placing banners in our windows, Karaoke and We have all missed giving that reassuring hug, street bingo, coming out to salute our deceased that gentle pat on the back, that embrace, the neighbours or friends, children painting friendly handshake, letting each other know messages of hope, love, and smiles on stones. that we are there for them - that we care.

We have learnt to slow down, discover new We’ve missed our families, being around our talents, and appreciate what we have. grandchildren, nieces and nephews. We’ve had It has been a time of banana bread, hand to forfeit weddings and other big celebrations. sanitizer, masks of various colours and designs, We’ve missed our freedom to go where we screens, yellow signs and arrows, online please – our holidays, and leisure time, our shopping, and finding treasures within our 5k sporting fixtures, our various community limits. clubs, and the supports that go with all these And now as the restrictions have eased, we wonderful organizations. We’ve missed hospital have a lot to be positive about, and for all of us and care home visits to our elderly. We’ve to let go of our negativities, and that we will all missed the basics of human interaction.

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Eimer Duffy is a Social Media Consultant and Trainer at FIT Social Media. Through bespoke solutions, Eimer helps Funeral Directors and Celebrants gain a better online presence, build communities and trust online with zero stress and hassle in a short space of time. She also co-hosts the only social media for business radio show in Ireland called “The Let’s Get Social Show” every Friday at 2pm on Dublin South FM and the show is on podcast too. Check out www.fitsocialmedia.ie to learn more.

To Hashtag or not to Hashtag that is the question…

I

was asked the other week “What are hashtags?” “Can they help my Funeral business grow online?” These are great questions and I have added a few more that might help when it comes to using hashtags.

What are hashtags?

“A word or phrase preceded by a hash sign (#), used on social media websites and applications” is the definition on Google.

So what are they for?

They are topic or theme led eg: #Funerals #FuneralHome #FuneralDirectors, you add the hash sign to the front of a word or joined up phrase on a social media post.

32 | FuneralTimes

When you type a hashtag on a desktop computer or laptop then the wording goes blue and if you type it on a mobile then the wording goes embolded. The hashtag then becomes a clickable link (hyperlinked). So when you click that hashtag you will see all the posts that have used that particular hashtag. So in other words, any post that has added a particular hashtag to the caption will be found inside what I call a “hyperlinked bucket”.

Why use them?

Here are some benefits of using hashtags: • They increase your organic reach by being searchable as some people will come across your post who might not have found you any other way.

• Another opportunity to attract new followers.

• Use them as a monitoring and social listening tool to keep track of what people are commenting, posting and industry related news etc…

• Helps you specify your niche and what you do. You can follow hashtags (eg: Instagram) and then see in your newsfeed what is showing up for that hashtag.

• Type a hashtag you want to research (for your hashtag research) in the search bar of any of the social media channels and find top posts, recent posts, new content ideas, new accounts you want to follow and engage with as the business etc..

What ones?

Here are some for you to include: • Have a branded one (your business name) eg: #TheFuneralTimes and when someone clicks on it, everything you have posted is there and can increase more interest and engage more followers for you.

• Industry related ones - here are some, for example: #FuneralDirector #FuneralDirectors #FuneralHome #FuneralMarketing #FuneralHomeMarketing #FuneralProfessional #FuneralProfessionals #FuneralService #FuneralServices #DeathCare #DeathCareIndustry • Your Geographical Location (Geotag) such as your town, county, country eg: #Blackrock #CountyDublin #Ireland as people do search using locations.

• Trending days or trending hashtags; as long as they are relevant so you could look up a great website: www.daysoftheyear.com and it has some novel and interesting dates that you turn into a hashtag, or if you are on Twitter check out what’s trending.

• Days of the week such as #TuesdayThoughts #SundayMorning can be part of your hashtag strategy, but they can only be used on the specific day.

How many hashtags?

My advice is don’t go mad and use too many hashtags as it can then look unnatural and spammy to your followers. Here’s a guide for each of the social media platforms, note that these are not set in stone and can change: • Facebook (5 max) • Facebook Stories (3 max) • Instagram (30 max) • Instagram Stories (3 max) • Twitter (2-3 max) • Linkedin (5-7 max) • TikTok (5-6 max) How to find them?

Again using the social channels you are on for your research (they all have search bars) and see what is relevant and how popular (if too popular then you won’t get found, eg: anything posted with above a million posts will be difficult to rank for). Also, look at what your competitors are using. And you can try some tools such as

Hashtagify.me https://hashtagify.me or RiteTag: https://ritetag.com/ Where do you put them?

As a rule of thumb add the hashtags at the end of your post on most platforms So for example, on Facebook and LinkedIn create a new paragraph and add them under your caption. On Instagram add in 5 or 6 full stops one under each other (full stop, return, full stop, return, and so on…) under your caption. Twitter you have limited space so just add the 2 or 3 hashtags at the end of the caption of your tweet/post.

Can they help grow my business online?

Hashtags are a great opportunity for your content to get in front of people who may not know of you and for your account to get found.

Increase your social media engagement, gain followers and this all leads to people getting to know, to like and to trust as they can engage with you online and build relationships with your funeral business.

If you have any more questions, send them into Eimer and she will answer them for you, and we will publish them in our next edition.

All questions submitted and published can be anonymous if you wish. You can email Eimer at eimer@fitsocialmedia.ie.

FuneralTimes | 33

Congratulations...

O

ffice manager Brodrick (Ricky) O’Neill, Corrigan & Sons Funeral Directors received his Funeral Directors Certificate award at the recent AGM of the Irish Association of Funeral Directors meeting in Cork. A huge congratulations from Joe McNamara, Corrigan & Sons, Dublin.

New Delivery -

Quinn Hearse and Limousine

Dermot and Hugh from Quinn Bros Funeral Services, Portadown collect the latest addition to their fleet, a new E Class Hearse from Quinn Hearse and Limousine 34 | FuneralTimes

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 Tel: 01 825 4579 From NI: 00353 1 825 4579 info@treasuredkeepsakes.ie www.treasuredkeepsakes.ie

Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund (NIKRF) News

T

he Covid-19 pandemic has affected everyone, not least persons with kidney

failure who depend on dialysis to stay alive.

Dialysis patients must continue with their dialysis therapy four hours on a machine three times per week regardless of lockdowns.

The Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund (NIKRF), like all charities, has also been hard hit.

Not only has the means to raise money ‘out and about’ been much curtailed, but members from all over Northern Ireland who previously met up regularly at the Belfast City Hospital have been unable to do so.

Nevertheless NIKRF’s work is ongoing and regardless of the pandemic we must continue all efforts to beat kidney disease. We are proud that despite Covid-19 our funded research programme has been going at full steam.

There has been no lockdowns here!

A Christmas tree with message (left) and NIKRF gift boxes in Basil Knipes Electrics store in Ballymoney (above) This of course is thanks to the generosity of our supporters and fundraisers, and the diligent work carried out by our research fellows.

The NIKRF is the first and leading kidney charity in Northern Ireland and this year we are celebrating 50 years of research and promoting organ donation. We are all volunteers and have supported over 100 scientists, doctors and surgeons in research here in Northern Ireland, which leads to many research papers being published worldwide and yes, making a difference. It is no coincidence that NIKRF has helped to make the kidney services at the Belfast City Hospital a centre of excellence.

We are thankful and grateful for all the

Pictured above is Billy Thompson, one of the longest organ recipients in NI and long standing member of NIKRF, collecting a cheque from a group of fundraisers generosity and time commitment over the years from all the people of Northern Ireland, but now are planning ahead for the future.

Commemorative flowerbed celebrating our anniversary. With thanks to Lisburn and Castlereagh borough council

Members of Ballymoney, Coleraine and District group holding our candles of hope and remembrance

We are looking for the next generation of volunteers to continue ‘Lighting the Way’.

Please contact Susan Kee (Chairperson) by email: susannikrf@outlook.com or see our web site or facebook.

Susan Kee, NIKRF Chairperson

First Coleman Milne Hybrid Fleet Investment for Portadown’s George McNabb & Co Independent and family run George McNabb & Co has served the Portadown community and surrounding districts since 1975 and are well known and respected for looking after families with genuine compassion and total commitment.

The funeral industry has significantly evolved in the 47 years since George McNabb first established the company, and today, the business is expertly run by the late George McNabb’s grandson Adrian McAteer, and they are proud to offer a complete range of traditional, contemporary, and environmentally aware funerals carried out to the very highest of standards.

Sustainability was a key requirement in procuring their latest fleet and Coleman Milne’s Ford Hybrid range ticked every box. The Norwood Classic Hybrid hearse and Rosedale Hybrid Limousine substantially reduces C02 emissions and delivers outstanding efficiency and refinement along with exceptional performance and driving range.

Engineered specifically for the needs of the modern funeral director the Norwood hearse incorporates illuminated signage, integral coverboards and over deck LED lighting. All the Ford fleet benefits from luxurious leather upholstery and climate control for the ultimate

38 | FuneralTimes

in passenger comfort and advanced drivers’ tech of Bluetooth, satellite navigation and Prestige audio system complete with an 8” touch screen.

Office Manager Mr Thomas Morrison commented: “We’re thrilled with our first Coleman Milne investment and the service we received.

There has been a shift in our families’ fleet expectations as many of us realise the need to respect our planet and use resources wisely, these remarkably quiet, fuel-efficient and sustainable funeral vehicles are built to perfection.”

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What We Have Learned about Treating the Covid Case

By Rory McKeown COVID-19 has been the talk of the funeral service profession more than anything else for over a year now. We’ve discussed the strain on our staff trying to accommodate families requesting viewing, scheduling walk-through funerals, drive-through funerals, and trying to meet the needs of large families when your state limits the number of people allowed in the chapel. I saw different funeral homes respond as best they could. Restrictions have begun to ease up a bit. More families are now able to fulfill their personal needs in regard to viewing times, the number of people present, and the types of services.

O

n top of the logistical stress of arranging services, staff members were becoming sick and funeral homes were shorthanded. Meeting with CO VID family members that may have been contagious, or from contact in the prep room, firms were sending some people home sick for a twoweek quarantine. At the same time that funeral homes were being affected and shorthanded, the number of cases was increasing dramatically, especially in the major metropolitan areas across the country.

Talking with embalmers the conversation often runs to how we’ve been through similar 44 | FuneralTimes

times as far as embalming, like when we first saw AIDS cases in the eighties. In some places there is so much concern for the safety of the staff that funeral directors are making the decision not to embalm CO VID confirmed cases at all. Additionally, there is the unknown factor of how long does the virus remain viable or contagious postmortem. One report states that Coronavirus has been found 27 days postmortem in the lungs. (Newsweek, 11/2/20).

Based upon that, it doesn’t appear at this point that refrigeration has as much an effect on the viability of the virus as time. While after about 72 hours it has been found that the virus can no

longer replicate, it still may be present.

Early on in the AIDS research it became pretty much known that HIV, although contagious, is very frail outside its environment and a change of just a few degrees in temperature would kill the virus. Twenty-four hours of refrigeration seemed sufficient when embalming a known AIDS case. Changes to pH after death, along with temperature changes, were too much of a hostile environment for the AIDS virus to survive.

Even with ongoing research there is no definitive answer yet as to how long COVID-19 may remain viable in the lung’s tissue.

When dealing with a COVID death, much of the concern is about the movement of the body itself, including the embalming and preparation process. So there is a health concern even before we have the individual on the prep table. In these cases, the concern isn’t so much contact with body fluids, it is the residual air in the lungs. Manipulating a body during a transfer can cause movement of the diaphragm, enough to exude contents from the lungs.

We need vigilance from the onset when handling the transfer from the place of death.

I think we’ve all been in an uncomfortable position somewhere in our career where we would like to cover the face of the deceased but family members were present. While we always want to consider the feelings of loved ones, protection of ourselves and the family need to take priority, and at this point I think most people would understand the reasoning behind our actions.

Fortunately, many of the cases are coming from hospitals or other institutions where a body pouch is being used for protection. For different levels of contact, there are different levels of personal protective equipment. Until more is known about the active spread of COVID-19, the CDC and OSH A recommend a combination of standard precautions, contact precautions, and airborne precautions to protect mortuary and other death care workers from exposure to the virus. According to the U.S. Dept. of Labor, those of us in preparation and transfer of the individual fall into the medium-high risk groups, depending on the contact with the body. The Dept. of Labor does state that these are guidelines, not regulations or standards set forth by them. Their

“There is the unknown factor of how long does the virus remain viable or contagious postmortem. One report states that Coronavirus has been found 27 days postmortem in the lungs” recommendations concerning those handling human remains other than embalming and autopsy are: • Non-sterilenitrilegloves.

• Clean, long-sleeved, fluid resistant or impermeable gown to protect personal/ work clothing.

• Using a plastic face shield or goggles.

• If there is risk of aerosol generation while handling remains a respirator of HEPA filter quality.

Based upon that information, an individual performing the actual task of transferring the remains should be using the same PPE that we would use to embalm a “normal” case.

As in any situation, our own best judgement, depending on our personal level of exposure and contact with the deceased, should determine how far we go, particularly during transfer of the deceased. CO VID-19 transfer protocol specifics require more containment concerns than normal. Keeping any possibility of exhalation to a minimum is important. The face of the deceased should be covered with a wet disinfectant-soaked towel like Webril. It is important to have as many layers of protection as possible between the deceased and the operator. The body should be wrapped in a sheet covering the face on top of the soaked towel. Then the body should be placed in a body pouch as a third layer of protection.

In a situation like a nursing home or similar institution, there have been concerns of transfer staff using questionable disinfectant sprays on the body. While bleach is a good disinfectant when used properly, it may not be the best in certain circumstances. There was a case in my area where a nursing facility had a complaint of funeral home staff leaving the facility and the heavy smell of bleach being left behind.

FuneralTimes | 45

“Keeping any possibility of exhalation to a minimum is important. The face of the deceased should be covered with a wet disinfectant-soaked towel like Webril”

About a year ago Dodge put out COVID-19 Suggested Safe Practices: Embalming Protocols (this can be found on shop. dodgeco. com under the CO VID-19 information link). This was a presentation of the best procedures regarding safely embalming and preparing COVID-19 bodies. While embalming a case that is CO VID19 positive, these are the guidelines I’ ve adapted and use. Disinfection of the body as would normally be done, cleaning with disinfectant soap and water, and a larger than usual saturation of the body with Dis-Spray. A towel saturated with Dis- Spray should cover the face, particularly the mouth and nose, to help create a barrier between exhaled air and the operator.

Among the many factors touched on in the COVID safe practices was the large amount of clotting in the lungs. As time passes, research is finding more pulmonary issues and clotting issues in CO VID-19 patients. The pulmonary problems were evident from the start of the pandemic with patients dying on respirators in hospitals. The clotting issue is becoming more well-known now , especially among embalmers.

Most embalming complaints are about clotting and drainage issues. “ A study of 41 people that died from CO VID- 19 showed extensive damage, persistent distortion of normal organ structure, and massive blood clotting of the arteries and veins.

All had extensive lung damage, while 36 of 41 (88%) had massive abnormal blood clotting in the lung arteries and veins.” (Lancet Biomedical Journal).

Today there is a lot in the news about post COVID pulmonary embolism and strokes. This has been especially prevalent in patients that wind up bed ridden and inactive. This seems to confirm the original point of clots in the vascular system during embalming. These clots 46 | FuneralTimes

can break loose and obstruct chemical flow and inhibit our drainage. There is challenge number one.

In a separate postmortem study of 430 patients with COVID-19, 48% were hypertensive, 44% had coronary artery disease, 31% were diabetic, 22% had chronic kidney disease, and 14.8% were obese. (medRxiv) I think if we saw these factors on a death certificate we’ d be thinking distribution issues.

Challenge number two.

So, many of the COVID bodies that we encounter may have multiple conditions to overcome, clotting and proper, adequate drainage being important ones. These various vascular issues along with a sedentary lifestyle due to illness only increase the chance of blood clots.

I was talking with a customer recently who pre- injects 16 oz. of Rectifiant and 32 oz. of Proflow on a suspected COVID case with closed drainage, and leaves the body for twenty minutes or so. Then he uses whatever the case calls for with an additional 32 oz. of Proflow in the mixture to continue to break up clots during the arterial injection, and he is having positive results in his embalming.

Whatever chemical solution you choose based on the case analysis, a suggested minimum of 5% preservative solution should be injected.

Halt GX or Dis-Spray should be added to the solution to ensure a high level of disinfection.

Special attention needs to be given to the lungs during the embalming . Additional disinfectant chemical should be injected into the lungs separately to ensure deep saturation with the chemical. Dis- Spray, Halt GX, Halt Cavity, or a cavity chemical of at least 21% would all be suitable for the treatment of the lungs. If possible, the incision made for the injection can be used as the entry point for injecting into the lungs. A carotid injection is recommended since it allows for easiest access to the lungs and opportunity for drainage from the heart through use of a drain tube with a hose attached to bring drainage directly off the embalming table to the drain to help keep blood splash to a minimum.

An infant trocar or hypo trocar can be used, or a large syringe with a 6” needle. The lungs can be full of not only clots but edema. One report stated that some of the lungs in the autopsy

subjects were two to three times heavier than a normal lung. While the lungs are being treated, treating the esophagus is important since it can be a breeding ground for bacteria and mucus. As a direct line to the lungs, additional treatment seems warranted.

Included in the CO VID-19 Suggested Safe Practices: Embalming Protocols is a page covering four different trachea treatments. This is worth reviewing or reading, if you haven’t yet had the opportunity.

Whichever method you choose, the importance of blocking the air from the lungs of the body to the operator cannot be overemphasized. While we’re trying to overcome drainage issues and clotting difficulties with a body during the embalming process, we turn to massage to push clots through and out the vascular system. That movement of the body, or lifting legs, or manipulating the arms, can cause possible air release so we need that additional protection.

What we don’t want is to push the virus into the air around us.

Hopefully we’ve gotten used to setting features and checking them throughout the operation while having a Dis-Spray soaked Webril towel over the face of the deceased.

Packing the trachea and sinuses can add that extra protection we need. These are just a few of the minor adaptations we’ve all learned to make.

Cavity treatment should be delayed, if possible, to help fixate and disinfect the lungs and viscera prior to aspiration. A closed aspiration system is ideal, with the discharge hose going directly into the drain with no aerosol possible, or at least minimized. Halt Cavity, Permacav 50, or Dri Cav would all be suitable cavity chemicals for a COVID-19 case.

Re-aspiration of the thoracic cavity after twelve hours would be an additional precautionary measure to ensure we’ve got the virus killed in the lungs. After re-aspiration additional Halt Cavity can be injected into the thoracic cavity. Halt Cavity is highly firming, and with the addition of Broadstat, it offers high level disinfection.

For us as embalmers the important thing is that these bodies can be safely and effectively embalmed. As we look forward, and the number of COVID related deaths is decreasing, we hope

we never encounter the unusual conditions of 2020 in funeral service any time again soon.

Conditions such as the lack of PPE and basic chemicals to formulate disinfectants, and the hunt for products and supplies to meet the challenges we were up against, and still are in some areas. It seemed that funeral service was in the caboose and not the front line when it came to PPE and the bodies were literally stacking up. Did we ever think we’d see cooler trucks filling up with dead bodies in our town?

As we read about new mutations, and the differing aftereffects, like embolism and stroke, I wonder if we’re in the clear, or some other surprise is coming down the pike. Possibly, there will be more and continued clotting and drainage challenges for us in the prep room.

With knowledge of the lung clotting problems, will future treatment be loading these patients up on blood thinners? I read an article yesterday that said I might catch a new strain of CO VID from my dog.

Rory has been a licensed funeral director and embalmer for over 30 years.

Since 2013, Rory has served as a sales representative with The Dodge Company, covering Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico. Rory spent much of his funeral directing and embalming career in the Chicago area.

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 at: Shepherds Funeral Supplies, Unit 2A Royal Canal Business Park, Athlone Road, Co. Longford.

Ph. 00353 43 33 49702 /00353 87 2486668 FuneralTimes | 47

Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke

7 Ways to help keep your heart healthy February is Heart Health Month so here are some top tips from Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke on things we can all do to look after our hearth health.

1. Keep Active Keeping active has great benefits for your physical and mental wellbeing. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week such as brisk walking, riding a bike or an exercise class. Twice a week incorporate strengthening activities into your routine.

2. Eat Well We recommend using the Eatwell Guide (www. nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/the-eatwell-guide) to help plan meals to ensure your body gains all the nutrients it requires from each of the main food groups. Make sure you read food labels to help choose healthy options and remember to watch your portion sizes.

3. What about Vitamin D? Vitamin D is an essential vitamin for everyone and we get it from two main sources, sunlight, and food. With reduced sunlight during winter, we may not be getting enough vitamin D. Our body also uses the vitamin D from foods like oily fish (such as salmon, mackerel, trout, kippers and sardines), eggs and meat, along with fortified foods. It may be worth considering a daily supplement of 10 micrograms a day.

4. Reduce Alcohol It’s normal to want to relax after a challenging day. However, using alcohol to relieve stress or anxiety isn’t the answer. Alcohol is a depressant, and although it may boost your mood in the short term it doesn’t last and can lead to both physical and mental health problems in the future. Try to keep alcohol intake within recommendations to help reduce your risk. Both

48 | FuneralTimes

men and women should aim not to exceed 14 units of alcohol per week and have 2-3 days that are alcohol free.

5. Keep Connected The COVID-19 pandemic has had a massive impact on our lives, but it is important that we still maintain connections with those around us within the current guidelines. Connect with family, friends and colleagues when you can and make use of online tools if you can’t meet in person.

6. Relax Life can be hectic, particularly balancing both your work and personal life. Schedule time in your day to relax and do something that you enjoy to help release the stress from your mind and body.

7. Sleep Well Sleep is important because it affects our physical and mental wellbeing. Adults should aim for 7-9 hours of good quality sleep per night. To get a restful night’s sleep, you need the right setting. Try and limit technology in the bedroom as much as possible, especially in the 2-3 hours before bedtime. Or why not try some meditation to clear your mind and help you drift off to sleep?

For more information please visit www.nichs. org.uk

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@funeral_exhibit funeralexhibition@nafd.org.uk www.nationalfuneralexhibition.co.uk

NAFD News NAFD members to trial world class Learning Hub CPD platform The NAFD is collaborating with the developers of a revolutionary learning platform to create the NAFD Learning Hub an exciting and bold Continuing Professional Development (CPD) offer for members.

Adaptable to UK working practices and regulations, the NAFD Learning Hub uses virtual reality and 3D models to create highly engaging visual learning scenarios, supported by online assessment, remote invigilation and gap training.

The use of virtual reality to aid training and development will be the first of its kind in the UK funeral sector.

For the pilot, a series of 50 courses will be created and grouped into key current industry themes. The feedback from this trial will enable the NAFD to assess if it will provide the right platform for CPD for the entire membership, before the NAFD invests in tailoring the entire system to UK funeral service and practice. The aim is also for the Funeral Learning Hub to provide online CPD companion learning for an expanded NAFD Manual of Funeral Directing – and it will also complement other NAFD qualifications and courses too.

Karen Van-Richardson, Education Development Manager, said: “Many NAFD members invest in their own development and that of their teams already, but this is about taking professional development to the next level in line with changing stakeholder expectations of the sector and the desire of NAFD members to stand head and shoulders above other funeral firms.”

Chair of the Board of Education, Past President Alison Crake, added: “The Funeral Learning Hub is a very exciting opportunity for NAFD members. It will provide straightforward access to a comprehensive and tailored range of courses that are convenient to access, no matter how you and your teams work.

“As the independent regulation of standards is becoming inevitable in the funeral sector, the time is right for the NAFD to add CPD to its suite of qualifications and training, to provide career-long learning opportunities – and help members to demonstrate their up to date knowledge of regulations and standards, together with their capability and experience in caring for bereaved and deceased people.”

More than a thousand visitors already registered for NFE 2022!

Friday 10 – Sunday 12 June 2022, Stoneleigh Park The anticipation and excitement for the 2022 National Funeral Exhibition, now less than six months away, is building - with more than 1,200 visitors already booked to attend the show.

A respected global platform for the funeral profession and the largest trade show for the sector in the UK, NFE 2022 will showcase the latest, innovative products - inspiring thought leadership and business networking FuneralTimes | 55

opportunities to 4,500+ funeral sector professionals.

Suppliers as diverse as vehicle fleets, coffins, caskets, professional equipment suppliers, printing and stationery companies, online memorial services, charities and business advisory firms will be hosting bold and eyecatching stands, demonstrating equipment and showcasing the latest products and skills and services for funeral businesses.

There’s a focus on the visitor experience for the 2022 show, to make sure a trip to the NFE is enjoyable and productive from start to finish.

New for NFE 2022, will be the NFE Dining Club: an outdoor food court, surrounded by a tempting range of food stalls offering speciality pizzas, traditional fish and chips, handmade burgers and more – plus an ice-cream vendor

in the hope of some early summer sunshine – to ensure there’s something for every taste, whether you’re grabbing a quick break or meeting a prospect for lunch.

Exhibiting at NFE offers a valuable opportunity to showcase products, services and solutions direct to the funeral industry’s most influential buyers and decision makers. Exhibition space in both halls at Stoneleigh Park is now almost completely sold out, with just 17 spots remaining – so if you are keen to make the show part of your 2022 marketing strategy, contact the team today on funeralexhibition@nafd.org. uk to reserve your space.

Join the thousands of others getting ready for NFE 2022. The website is open to reserve your complimentary ticket. Visit www. nationalfuneralexhibition.co.uk today.

DipFD accredited at same level as Certificate of Higher Education O neAwards, which delivers learning accreditation services on behalf of NOCN, one of the UK’s leading Awarding and Apprenticeship Assessment Organisations, has accredited twelve of the new DipFD learning units at Level 4 – which is equivalent to a Certificate of Higher Education. This is another important milestone in the development of the NAFD’s suite of qualifications. During early 2022, there will be further work to develop the DipFD syllabus, learning materials and assessments to make sure all aspects of the course requirements meet level 4 standards.

Director of Education and Development Karen Van-Richardson said: “As a bespoke qualification, designed to meet the specific career development needs of funeral directors, it was really important that we sought independent quality assurance from OneAwards. We wanted to establish that

56 | FuneralTimes

the DipFD syllabus and required learning was challenging enough and delivered a high standard of learning to students. I am absolutely delighted that we’ve had such a ringing endorsement of the new DipFD and look forward to delivering accreditation for our other new qualifications too.”

Alison Crake, Chair of the Board of Education, added: “This accreditation from OneAwards is excellent news for the NAFD membership and a significant, positive milestone for the NAFD education team and the Board of Education.

“It further highlights our collective, ongoing commitment to providing an exemplary education framework for all funeral service professionals.”

To find out more about the DipFD and all of the NAFD’s qualifications and training, please visit: www.nafdeducation.org.uk

Croeso i Gymru! - NAFD Conference 2022 opens for booking From Thursday 5 May to Sunday 8 May, NAFD Annual General Meeting & Conference travels to the fantastic Celtic Manor Resort in the beautiful Usk Valley, Wales.

F

or the first in-person Annual Conference since 2019, we’ve laid on a fantastic three-day event, with the very best of Welsh hospitality, in the homeland of NAFD President Kate Edwards.

Although the AGM is for voting members only, the NAFD Conference Education Day, exhibition and social events are open to the whole funeral profession to enjoy.

Highlights include: • An Education Day designed to enrich understanding of deathcare issues and support continuous learning within the funeral sector, blending speakers, experiential learning, debate and discussion, including: • Dr Jason Shannon, Lead Medical Examiner for Wales on the rollout of the medical examiner system • The MazWell Group presenting a session on facial reconstruction techniques • Terry Arnett, NPCC Police Dog Chief Instructor for Warwickshire Police on the role his dogs play in locating deceased persons • Renowned exhumation expert Peter Mitchell on some of the extraordinary projects he has worked on in his career • Carla Valentine, qualified Anatomical Pathology Technologist, author of Past Mortems and Technical Curator of the Victorian Pathology museum, who is researching our relationship with human remains.

The social programme will include an informal BBQ, an evening with Welsh rugby legend and renowned after dinner speaker, international referee Nigel Owens, featuring a Welsh tasting menu and drinks, the President’s Banquet and return of many of the NAFD Conference traditions.

Given the current situation, and although the early signals do look promising, the NAFD is planning the event with a range of COVID

Carla Valentine scenarios in mind, and will put in place all sensible precautions, applicable at the time, to ensure you can book and attend the event with confidence. If the prevailing Government Guidance in Wales does not permit us to hold the event and the venue cancels our booking, the event will switch to a virtual format and refunds will be available as appropriate.

Booking is now open and you can find out more about the programme and book your Conference sessions, social events and accommodation packages on the website: www.nafdconference.co.uk.

FuneralTimes | 57

Funeral director recognised in New Year’s Honours for supporting the profession during COVID-19 F

uneral directors and their teams, across the UK, have played a vital role at the centre of the national response to COVID-19, caring for all those who have died and their bereaved families - often under extremely difficult circumstances.

The NAFD is delighted that Past President Jeremy Field, of CPJ Field & Co - the UK’s oldest family funeral business, has been recognised with an OBE in Her Majesty the Queen’s 2022 New Year’s Honours, for his service to the funeral profession and to the nation during the pandemic.

The NAFD has been extremely fortunate to have been supported throughout COVID-19 by a group of volunteer funeral directors from across the profession, who have provided vital information and shared the experiences of their

Jeremy Field 58 | FuneralTimes

own businesses - helping the NAFD to advise, reassure and lead the profession through a complex and uncertain time. We simply could not have done it without them.

Jeremy has been at the very centre of this work - giving up hours of his time, frequently on a 24/7 basis and even during much-needed holiday time, to support the profession despite facing considerable pressures as a working funeral director in his own family business.

He has represented the profession at regular Government briefings – as well as participating in (often daily) NAFD COVIDrelated calls, regularly stepping away from other commitments to ensure questions were answered, meetings attended, interviews given, drafts reviewed or data analysed.

NAFD Chief Executive, Jon Levett, said: “Jeremy’s detailed input to draft government COVID-19 guidance, analysis of the implications of sector capacity data/modelling inputs and pertinent questioning has helped the NAFD to provide trusted counsel to a number of government departments in Westminster as well as the devolved administrations.

The deceased management sector has also benefited from his constant watch over key issues; highlighting implications and raising issues with government for early resolution.

“Through his dedicated work, over the course of the pandemic, Jeremy has helped thousands of his fellow funeral directors to provide the best possible care for all those who die and their bereaved families, across the UK, at an unimaginably distressing time.

“It is wonderful to hear that Jeremy’s unstinting willingness to share his time, knowledge and expertise, for the benefit of others, has been acknowledged by HM Queen with this prestigious honour.”

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How we say goodbye can play a large role in how we respond to our loss

H

ere in Lakelands, hardly a day goes by that we don’t hear someone say, while here for a service, that they’ve never been at a cremation before.

However, given the significant increase in cremations over the last year, the numbers on that list are decreasing rapidly.

It’s nice to say though that the reactions of those witnessing their first cremation service are almost universally positive.

Some may attend and say with increased certainty that it’s not for them, but more and more people come away at the very least considering cremation as a possible end-of-life option.

Many come here, of course, with a very traditional view of funerals: wake in the house or in a funeral home, on to the church or chapel for Mass or Service and then off to the cemetery for burial and while this is still the case for many, changing attitudes in society are showing themselves in our funeral practices. For some, it’s an environmental issue, for others financial, for others still it’s an ideological, philosophical, spiritual or religious matter. In an age 60 | FuneralTimes

where personal expression and identity is so much to the fore, people are wanting their final rites to be a true expression of their individuality, something that comes from them and could only be about them.

For the families and friends as well, remembering their loved one and the unique place they had in their lives calls for a service of thanksgiving or remembrance that they could not find in a more traditional setting. Of course, we also see a combining of the traditional and the bespoke here as many of our cremations come from an earlier Mass or religious funeral service and then proceed with prayers here along with eulogies, remembrances and music selections that are more particular to the deceased.

Our main offering here in Lakelands is the opportunity to mark this deeply significant moment in the way that is most appropriate. Whether the deceased person has laid out their plans in advance or if it is the loved ones looking to mark their passing in a way that is fitting of their memory,

we are happy to work with families and funeral directors in creating a service that will be both a comfort to the bereaved and a tribute to the one who is gone. It’s important that families are aware of the options open to them when they approach a funeral director. Some may go down the traditional route simply because they don’t realise that they have choices and those choices may go a long way in bringing some comfort to the family, as how we say goodbye can play a large role in how we respond to our loss.

For more information please contact Lakelands Funeral Home and Crematorium on

T: 049 436 2200

Email: info@ lakelandscrematorium.ie or visit: www.lakelands crematorium.ie

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Lakelands Crematorium, Dublin Rd, Cavan, Co. Cavan Tel: 049 4362200 / mob: 086 2458489 email: info@LakelandsCrematorium.ie www.LakelandsCrematorium.ie

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Grief cafe and Clar Graveyard

By Mattie Lennon

T

he Irish Hospice Foundation has collaborated with artists around the country to set up creative spaces for those struggling with loss during the pandemic. Now a venue in Galway is running a weekly drop-in centre over the coming months to allow people to explore their feelings in a safe environment. In the Ean Restaurant, every Monday, the space is transformed into The Grief Cafe.

In this environment people can talk, draw and listen to poetry, exploring sadness in a gentle, creative way. Johanne Webb is one of seven artists across the country working with the Irish Hospice Foundation.

“Loss is something very close to my mind and heart. I lost my mother when I was ten; I lost my best friend before she turned 20. The pandemic saw me lose all my work and become very ill.

During this time my local community rallied around and I started to think about creating a healing space where people could come to share their deepest feelings of grief and loss.

Sometimes we carry around this severe sense of grief and we’ve nowhere to put it. People can come in, sit quietly and read, have a chat and

a cup of tea, write some poetry or draw. Some drop by for 20 minutes; some come and stay for a couple of hours.”

CLAR CEMETERY In the graveyard at Clar in county Donegal, Saint Agatha’s church bell rings on two occasions at all funerals. It announces the arrival of the hearse as it comes within view of the church and is rung again following the ‘prayer of commendation’ when the deceased person is taken to their place of rest.

This gesture of respect and mourning signals to the entire community that a funeral is taking place and that a moment of silence is appropriate at that time.

Now the parishioners in partnership with Clogher Le Cheile have brought out a publication, In Loving Memory. This publication records the inscriptions and photographic images of the 923 headstones in the graveyards.

These date from the mid-1800s to the present day. This print edition is a sequel to the online version recently completed and available at the website; https://historicgraves.com/ graveyard/st-agatha-s/dg-saga

A Finglas woman was on her way to a wedding wearing a hat which was the biggest and most elaborate ever seen north of the Liffey. A young lad shouted at her, “Hey missus, don’t go near Glasnevin cemetery in case they think it’s a wreath.”

Just for giggles...... Just for giggles......

FuneralTimes | 63

Jennifer Muldowney is an event planner for memorials in the United States of America and Ireland and is currently partnered with the prestigious Frank E. Campbell - The Funeral Chapel in NYC as their in-house event planner.

Jennifer is also notable as author of Say Farewell Your Way, Tedx speaker of ‘Grief as Unique as your Heartbeat’ and host of ‘The Glam Reaper Podcast’.

Check out Muldowney Memorials (.com) to learn more.

By Jennifer Muldowney

Innovation abounds at Virtual Cremation Success Seminar W

ith cremation rates continuing to rise worldwide – and at an increased pace during the COVID-19 pandemic – ensuring families have meaningful experiences has never been more important. The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) is holding its first-ever Virtual Cremation Success Seminar, February 15-16, to discover practical ways to deliver the services families need while increasing profitability. This means you can join without leaving the comfort of your own funeral home or country! Networking with our fellow funeral colleagues has never been so important to discuss ideas, changes, innovation, problems and solutions.

“As we all know, cremation is an ever-growing area of our profession that requires an evergrowing knowledge base,” said Mike Nicodemus, NFDA’s vice president of Cremation Services.

“We hope you will join us and make 2022 the year that you set yourself apart from your competition by taking your service to families that choose cremation to the next level.”

During the Virtual Cremation Success Seminar attendees will learn from funeral service professionals who have found success in building the cremation side of their business: · How to Enhance Revenue with Cremation Families presented by Mike Schoedinger, President, Schoedinger Funeral Home & Cremation Service · Proven Strategies to Differentiate Your Cremation Business and Lead Your Market presented by Isaac Miller, Chief Operations Officer, MKJ Marketing 64 | FuneralTimes

· Cremation Liability: Protect Your Firm and Your Families presented by Chris Farmer, NFDA general counsel · Making a Low-Cost Cremation Operation Profitable in Your Business presented by Mark Krause, President, Krause Funeral Homes & Cremation Services · Run Your Cremation Business Like a Business: Food for Thought presented by Mike Nicodemus, NFDA Vice President, Cremation Services · Alkaline Hydrolysis: Facts, Myths, and Talking to Families About Flameless Cremation presented by Matthew Baskerville, President, Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes, and Ryan Cattoni, Owner, AquaGreen Dispositions LLC The seminar will also include live discussions with all presenters, opportunities to network with other attendees, a lunchand-learn innovation showcase, and more. Registration closes on February 14.

For complete details and to register, visit www.nfda.org/cremationconference.

Muldowney Memorials is the best advocate you and your families need today.

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Create the independent future you want.

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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 affects your future.

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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.

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Saif News Saif News SAIF AGM Banquet Weekend 2022 W e are delighted that the SAIF AGM Banquet Weekend will be in March 2022 (17th March to 20th March 2022) at the Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club in Edinburgh.

To book your place please visit the SAIF website https://saif.org.uk/events/agmweekend-2022/ To give you an idea of what the weekend will be, we start the weekend off on Thursday 17th March with a Golf Tournament. In the evening there is the Scottish AGM where there will be the inauguration of the new SAIF Scotland President, followed by dinner at your own leisure, with a St Patrick’s theme.

On the Friday we have the Associates Lunch followed by an afternoon of activities, then dining with entertainment.

On the Saturday, we have the Annual General Meeting, which will be followed by a Q&A session from funeral profession leaders.

There will also be an opportunity to meet SAIF’s NEXTGen who will be holding a networking opportunity in the afternoon.

Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club, Edinburgh After lunch there will be time to experience some of the leisure facilities that the Dalmahoy has to offer. Saturday evening is the banquet where formal attire is required, which promises to be fun filled and for those night owls the customary supper of egg and bacon rolls.

On the Sunday morning we bid farewell to the current National President, Mark Porteous and welcome the 1st Vice President, Jo Parker to take the reins of National President.

Accommodation: If you wish to book your accommodation which needs to be paid at the time of booking, please contact the Dalmahoy reservations on 0131 333 1845 option 1 quoting SAIFMARCH22.

For the Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday night the cost below includes dinner as well as bed & breakfast. Please note after the 24th February 2022 rooms will be released to the general public.

Wednesday 16th March 2022 Single Occupancy Dinner, Bed & Breakfast @ £112.00 per room Double Occupancy Dinner, Bed & Breakfast @ £147.00 per room Thursday 17th March 2022 Single Occupancy Dinner, Bed & Breakfast @ £112.00 per room Double Occupancy Dinner, Bed & Breakfast @ £147.00 per room Friday 18th March 2022 Single Occupancy Dinner, Bed & Breakfast @ £112.00 per room Double Occupancy Dinner, Bed & Breakfast @ £147.00 per room Saturday 14th March Single Occupancy Bed & Breakfast @ £87.00 per room Double Occupancy Bed & Breakfast @ £97.00 per room On behalf of the National President, The National Executive Committee and the SAIF Business Centre, we cannot wait to see you.

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Saif News If you would like more information about joining SAIF and being able to access benefits including Professional Indemnity Insurance, please don’t hesitate to contact the SAIF Business Centre; we are only a phone call away and will be happy to help.

Tel: 0345 230 6777 or visit SAIF.org.uk

Mortuary Services & Training Specialists (BIE Accredited tutor, Cyril Gantley) Professional and very Competitive Repatriation Service.

Nationwide Collection and Embalming Service.

Daily Collections from Dublin Hospitals, Nursing Homes etc. (deceased can be then collected from our premises or delivered to your Funeral Home)

Fully Equipped Fleet of Private Ambulances Woodstock Ind. Est. Athy, Co. Kildare

086 0619500 059 8631541 085 7671582 www.mortuary-science.ie 68 | FuneralTimes

Celebrating each and every person…

SUPPLYING A RANGE OF PICTURE COFFINS AND ASHES CASKETS FOR A PERSONALISED FAREWELL TO YOUR LOVED ONES

Our environmentally friendly coffins are made from sustainable materials and are covered with eco-friendly ink prints on chlorine and PVC free film. They are fitted with painted solid hardwood handles and gold or chrome coloured wreath hangers. Suitable for both burial and cremation.

• Internally, they have an Italian embossed suite which includes interior and exterior frill with matching pillowcase which has been created using poly-cotton fabric, woven in Milan • Each coffin is provided with a gold or silver mirror chrome plaque with corresponding theme • A matching ashes casket is available for each coffin Our full range can be viewed on our website www.reflectiveendings.ie or contact us for a brochure and price list.

Reflective Endings, Multyfarnham, Co Westmeath Tel : 086 303 2913 or Email : info@reflectiveendings.ie

Out of the Bucket and into the Basin

By Dr Bill Webster

S

o I’ve been thinking. Hopefully that won’t come as too much of a surprise to everyone!

As we approach the third year of the COVID pandemic, it is all too easy to look back on what we have lost, and let’s be honest, we have all lost something during this time. Some have lost far more than others, admittedly.

There has been an enormous toll on so many, coping with the death of loved ones, loss of businesses, social and travel opportunities and many freedoms we once enjoyed; all of which has resulted in an enormous tsunami of grief, (still unresolved in many cases), and for many depression and mental health issues caused by the many stresses, demands and burn out those directly affected, especially our dedicated front line workers.

And from all appearances, it’s not over yet!

We have not all been in the same boat, however. Some have managed to navigate safely through rough waters, while others have found themselves clinging desperately to a life raft in the midst of a raging storm and howling gale.

But all this has already been well documented in the media.

I would like to take a slightly different tack as we sail into the coming year.

We all have a “bucket list”. The movie of that title, featuring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, encouraged people to think about the things they would like to do with the rest of their lives; things they would want to do before they “kick the bucket”. It portrayed the realization that life even at its longest is short, and a reflection of the need to make sure that we fulfill our priorities before it is too late.

70 | FuneralTimes

This often happens when we are confronted by end of life issues, whether our own or those of those we care about. People somehow gain a greater clarity of vision as they realize the passing of time, the missing of opportunities or even the approach of a new year.

I know MY bucket list has been affected during this pandemic... things I would like to have done, places I would like to have gone, goals I would have liked to achieve in these past two years. It’s depressing that we haven‘t been able to do as much of it as we would have liked.

There’s a hole in my bucket. But when it’s hard to foresee the future, it can help to look back on what we are thankful for from the past.

So I have an idea! Instead of looking at a bucket list, let’s create a “Basin List”. I got the idea watching a video of my granddaughter accidentally letting the wash basin overflow with water. A “Basin List” is looking back at all the things you have previously done to “fill your basin” and have checked off your bucket list. In other words, what you have ALREADY done to make the most of your life.

Another way to put it is to say “my cup runneth over; my basin overflows”.

Sometimes we are so busy grieving what we have lost that we forget to appreciate what we still have. Both are necessary of course, but we have to find a balance between the two.

A meaningful life is not about being rich and successful, being popular or being perfect. It is about being REAL rather than being phony; being humble about our accomplishments; recognizing that there is strength even in our weaknesses; and being able to share ourselves

in order to touch the lives of others. These are the ingredients for a full and happy life.

Within my “basin list” lies the realization that a satisfied life is better than a successful life, because our success is measured by others, but our satisfaction measured by our own hearts and minds.

Satisfaction is not always found in the fulfillment of what you want; it is the realization of how blessed I am for what I have. Satisfaction in life arises from knowing you are exactly where you are meant to be. Discontented people always strive to be somewhere else, get something else, or become someone else.

Contentment comes from many great and small acceptances in life. The trouble is that too many are NEVER satisfied, because the more we get, the more we want, and for this reason, we will never have it all. So be content with what

you have. I constantly try to remind myself that there are many people in this world who are happy with far less than I have.

From all appearances, we may be facing yet another challenging year. But life has taught me that conditions are never “perfect”. If something is important to you, do it now, regardless of the conditions, and correct your course along the way. Create a vision that makes you want to jump out of bed every morning and say, “let’s get after it”.

Someday, hopefully, the world will get back to “normal” and the pandemic will be history. And we all look forward to that day. But be careful!

“Someday” can be a disease that will take your dreams to the grave with you. So be thankful for yesterday, live for today and hold on to the hope that good is yet to come in the future.

Comprehensive Grief Support Resources

The Centre for the

Grief Journey After Dr. Bill Webster lost his son 2 years ago, he recommitted himself to assisting those suffering the loss of a loved one.

His newly designed website contains a wealth of timely articles, numerous videos , live online sessions and ongoing support programs to help people in your care and community navigate the grief journey.

Visit www.griefjourney.com to start your journey.

FuneralTimes | 71

www.coachbuilders.ie sales@coachbuilders.ie Tel: +353 87 269 0044 Ballyfinane, Firies, Killarney, Co. Kerry

Pinpont accuracy every time • The Coffin Square™ hailed by some as the best invention within the Funeral Industry in over a decade!

• Never have a cross, breastplate or religious emblem crooked again.

• Pinpoint accuracy, perfectly square and symmetrical – every time.

• In simple terms as long as the number increments match left and right both on the bottom of “The Coffin Square™ and same on the top – you have achieved perfection.

• Save time at a critical point in preparing a funeral.

• One-time purchase – long-life product if looked after – competitively priced.

The Coffin SquareTM doesn’t just aim for perfection, it delivers it – every single time!

EARLY BIRD OFFER The Coffin Square™ is set to be the go-to device in every coffin room, get yours today at the early bird price of €95.00 (S. Ireland) or £85.00 (N. Ireland) £95.00 (U.K) delivered to your door.

SIMPLE A simple measuring device to assist the funeral director to accurately place items such as a cross, breastplate, or other adorning emblems upon the awkward shape of a coffin/casket lid.

ACCURATE The Coffin Square™ is a 2D, square-shaped measuring aid with four-sided calibration to allow equidistant symmetry from both sides of the coffin/casket lid to accurately pinpoint the exact location of the various adornments to the lid centrally and squarely.

FuneralTimes | 73

Memorial Lane - the new way to stream funerals online Partnering with Ireland’s premium live funeral streaming firm, Memorial Lane, has become the fastest and most inexpensive way for funeral directors to attract and maintain clients online.

Memorial Lane’s uniquely “guaranteed” live funeral stream, which can be plugged in to a funeral director’s website free-of-charge, can increase online traffic to the provider by a minimum 800%.

The direct, free, online link with Memorial Lane’s live television-quality streams and recordings will also showcase the best of a funeral director’s business, placing its professional service CenterStage.

The symbiotic relationship already enshrined between funeral directors and Memorial Lane, stems from the company’s decades of professional standards in quality television broadcasting.

Another unique benefit of a link to Memorial Lane’s live funeral streams, is its financial protections for funeral directors, in that, if requested, can independently agree its own service fee directly with clients, and will not impact on a funeral service provider’s charge.

Managing Director Pat Fogarty has built a trusted service with funeral directors nationwide through Memorial Lane’s unique guarantee of all of its live funeral streams.

Providing a free plug-in to a live funeral stream online, will provide important links with local communities who trust in Memorial Lane’s quality brand and will also trust in your brand.

Sending clients to third party websites (YouTube & Facebook) is non beneficial to a business - therefore providing a live funeral link with Memorial Lane on one’s own website, can not only maintain online traffic, but increase it exponentially.

Big business social media channels have become successful largely because they see the value in increasing online traffic numbers - a simple but valuable lesson.

74 | FuneralTimes

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that grieving families have been comforted not only in the quality funeral streams provided by Memorial Lane, as featured on RTE’s Nationwide and in national print media - but also in quality recordings of their loved one’s funeral service.

This unique offering does not mean it’s an exclusive one. We understand some families cannot afford our premium service. Funeral directors that are plugged into the Memorial Lane service can still offer the cheaper providers you currently use to families also.

Giving them choice is very important.

With COVID hopefully disappearing, the NEED for live streaming will slow too. Now families will make decisions based on WANT. That’s where quality will become very important.

Finally, dignity and respect are the most important elements of any funeral, and Memorial Lane prides itself on providing bereaved families thoughtful and sensitive memories of their loved one to last a lifetime.

Ireland's Premium Funeral Live Streaming Service Now Available On Your Website We will make your website the place to view a funeral.

Providing a more dignified platform for your family and community. No more YouTube or Facebook.

Increase your website traffic by an average of 800% All this for FREE

See it in operation: www.masseybros.ie www.aidanwalshandsons.ie www.mcdonaghfuneraldirectors.ie www.reillysfuneraldirectors.ie Contact Memorial Lane to find out more services@memoriallane.ie Pat – 0872046289 www.memoriallane.ie

Condolence Books

Memor� Boxes Grave Plaques

Umbrellas

Memor� Vials

www.cullenfuneralcare.com T: 353 85 8142906 / +353 85 820 3587

Creating a Renaissance in Funeralcare® Established during the lockdown, Matthew Cullen founded Cullen Funeralcare.

Shortly after partner René Freeney joined. Together they have had a fruitful showcase of their funeral products across Ireland. They pride themselves on innovation and have developed many new products for the market.

M

atthew and René do a range of products that include urns, umbrellas, memory boxes, grave markers, coffin pads, scatter tubes, condolence books and much more. Their wooden grave markers, crosses and spikes are manufactured by themselves to the highest of standards. One product that is of great popularity is their unique book binding system for online and written condolences. They believe families want something meaningful that they can reflect on long after the their loved one has passed allowing them to grieve.

Their books are unique in that they are accomplished through a patented book binding

Matthew Cullen and partner René Freeney system. The book spine contains glue that once activated by heat using the book binder, combines the pages and binds them to the glue.

The book then cools and your book is bound in as little as two minutes. The outcome is a sleek professionally bound condolence book.

Condolence books can be accompanied by a matching memory box to give back photos of the deceased and mass cards to the family.

They expect 2022 to be a very busy and prosperous year as they set their eyes on the increasing cremation market. They will be introducing a number of new products for crematoriums and graveyards throughout Ireland, UK and the USA. They look forward to showcasing their products at the National Funeral Director Exhibition in the UK later this year and also at 2022 NFDA International Convention & Exhibition in Maryland, USA. Contact us: info@cullenfuneralcare.com / +353 85 8142906 www.cullenfuneralcare.com FuneralTimes | 77

As the Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund celebrates 50 years of helping to save lives through research and organ donation we would love as many people as possible to participate in the Belfast Marathon this year, individual Marathon, Relay Teams and Walk.

Its easy to sign up - just go to web page www.belfastcitymarathon.com We will provide free NIKRF Tshirts to all participants who represent us.

Please let me know via: susannikrf@outlook.com with details ie marathon, relay team, walk and if you are able to participate and I will coordinate. (If organising a relay team please forward me the name of the team as well as the participants) It would be hoped that all the participants could meet up afterwards and celebrate.

If we get enough support NIKRF will have medals for the best team name, best team time, fastest walker, fastest marathon runner etc.

Looking forward to a great response helping us #Ligntingtheway

Susan Kee (Chair of NIKRF)

Belfast City Marathon Sunday 1st May 2022

Classifieds... Classifieds...

Auctioneers & Valuers

CUNNINGHAM M E MOR IA L S • New Memorials • Renovations • Inscriptions

07714 268116 cunninghammemorials @hotmail.co.uk

FOR SALE Main Street, Charleville, Co.Cork

NORTH CORK Tel 063 21656

Auctioneers & Valuers

Mob 087 2519683 Fax 063 21656

REPUTABLE LONG ESTABLISHED UNDERTAKING BUSINESS FOR SALE WITH LARGE FUNERAL HOME NORTH CORK

• With or Without Contents • Large Yard Reputable Long Business, & Ample CarEstablished Parking •Undertaking All in Excellent Funeral Home,Cork Town Condition With • In Large Thriving North With or Without Contents • Owners Retiring Large Yard & Ample Car Parking

All in Excellent Condition.BROS. All enquiries to BIGGANE In Thriving North Cork Town Auctioneers, Charleville, Co. Cork Owners Retiring.

Ph. 087 2519683 / 063 21656 www.bigganebrosauctioneers.com All enquiries to BIGGANE BROS. Auctioneers Charleville, Co. Cork

GerryWreath McDermott Manufacturer Ph. 087 2519683 / 063 21656

www.bigganebrosauctioneers.com

Circular Road, Roscommon

Mob: 086 2544126 or Mob: 086 8205215

FuneralTimes | 79

Classifieds... Classifieds...

Funeral Business Required With 40+ Funerals per annum Preferably within the Leinster Area Please email your interest, in confidence, to: sales@funeraltimes.com Ref: PO BOX 2022/1/1

For Sale 2014 (DEC) DUFFY MERCEDES E250 CDI Hearse in excellent condition both inside and out. Has covered 21k miles with 2 owners from new. Tested till December 2022. Bearer seats with coverboards, glass roof and underdeck storage cupboard. Black Artico Leather trim with Black ash interior wood trim.

Not available till March. PRICE £69,950

For more information please Telephone 07885 381785 (Niall)

FOR SALE Established Funeral Directors

With funeral home centrally located within its own County (Rep of Ireland, North East Region).

Independent funeral business, with excellent reputation in the community. Scope for further development.

Retirement sale.

For further details please email, in confidence, to: sales@funeraltimes.com or post to: Funeral Times, 1 Annagh Drive, Carn Industrial Estate, Craigavon, Co. Armagh BT63 5WF Quote Ref: PO Box 2022/1/2 80 | FuneralTimes

Classifieds... Classifieds...

PATRICK RYAN & DAUGHTER FUNERAL DIRECTORS SPECIALISING IN REPATRIATION TO ALL PARTS OF IRELAND

TEL: 020 8567 1664 FAX: 020 8566 4795 6 South Ealing Road, London W5 4QA Email: office@pryanfunerals.com Website: PATRICK-RYAN.CO.UK COVERING LONDON AND THE HOME COUNTIES

Qualified Embalmer/ Funeral Director Available for evenings and weekend work West of Ireland Area.

Contact 089 4071822 • Provincewide service available • Experienced Drivers

JBFS

MERCEDES LIMOUSINES / MERCEDES S CLASS / MERCEDES MPV MERCEDES HEARSE / REMOVAL CAR AVAILABLE For enquiries please contact James on

Mob: 077 3428 3181/ Tel: 028 3884 9151 or visit: www.jamesbartonfuneralservices.co.uk or email: jamesbarton75@gmail.com

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Classifieds... Classifieds...

Matthew L. Jones FUNERAL REPATRIATION SERVICE • South Wales based • 24 Hour removal & repatriation service • Long & short distance throughout UK & Ireland • Inclusive of airports & ferry ports • B.I.E qualified embalming service • Also Hearse & Limousine hire available

Mobile: 07815 866 652 Tel: 01267 236 787 (24hrs) email: info@funeralservices.wales www.funeralservices.wales

Position Available Full time position for a

Qualified Embalmer / Trainee Must hold a full driving licence and be over 25 years old.

For all enquiries, please email or phone our office (in confidence).

Salary dependent on experience.

Contact T: 091 562866 Email: conneelyandsons@gmail.com

For Sale 2007 VAUXHALL VECTRA 2.2 LITRE PETROL

Fearghas Quinn built, 61K miles, 2007 model, NCT until June 2022, Immaculate condition inside & out, Price €11,500 ono Contact John Healy on Tel: 00353 (0)87 6259911

82 | FuneralTimes

Bentley Flying Spur

Captivating Design Outstanding Performance Crafted with Carbon Technology

Nissan Athena Only 4% heavier than base vehicle

Book a viewing today

Volvo S90 Mild hybrid available Q2

CONTACT US TODAY

01942 259 860 Enquiries@wilcox.uk www.wilcox.uk