Some good news from Mattie Lennon

from Funeral Times Issue 4/2022

NFE 2022 did not disappoint Eimer Duffy

Some good news about home burials and “Aftering.”

By Mattie Lennon

Martin Neary, Mullenmadogue, Swinford applied to Mayo County Council for permission to be buried on his own land. He was refused on the grounds that he “Did not prove to the satisfaction of MCC that the proposal would not pose a risk to ground water.” The council also, “... must consider the precedent that such a proposal would set throughout the County.”

Mr Neary’s comment to that was, “They reckoned I would poison the water. I’m only about 10 stone. I don’t think I would cause much pollution.”

The council’s decision was overturned by An Bord Pleanála and Martin was given permission to be buried on his own land, “in accordance

Martin at his grave where his sheepdog, Van Gough lies with the said plans and particulars based on the reasons and particulars...” An Bord Pleanála inspector Lorraine Dockery said, “Martin’s wish to be buried on his land did not raise any issues of principle.”

Martin, an atheist, says, “All my arrangements for the hereafter have been finalised.” His “grave” is ready; complete with coping and a tombstone and when his time comes he will be laid to rest beside his beloved sheepdog, Van Gogh, who is already interred. He says, “It will be nice to be buried close to a cherished friend.” And, “I thought it would be better to have my wake before I die.”

His 37-acre holding which, he has bequeathed for community and recreational purposes will be known for ever more as Martin Neary Woodland Park.

Aftering

Aftering is the only radio show and podcast in Ireland exploring mortality. Every week, Valerie Vetter talks to a wide range of special guests exploring the past, present and future of dealing with death.

Previous programmes have included looking at the history of keening and traditional Irish funeral practices to learning about the complexities of 21st century digital afterlives plus shows on palliative rehabilitation, green burial practices, terramation, being a death doula, importance of coroner’s court reform and coping with grief and loss.

The Aftering radio show is on 103.2 Dublin City FM Mondays at 2pm and can also be listened to live online via DublinCityFM.ie and podcasts available on Soundcloud.com/ aftering_podcasts