Planning a Funeral
When someone passes away, it can be difficult to know what to do first. At McGowan’s Funeral Home, we are here to guide you through each step, offering support and practical advice when it’s most needed. Whether the death occurs at home, in hospital, or abroad, we’ll take care of every arrangement with sensitivity and professionalism.
If the death occurs in a hospital or nursing home, the staff will notify the next of kin and make the necessary arrangements. Once these steps have been completed, we will bring your loved one into our care and begin helping you plan the funeral.
If someone dies at home, the family doctor (GP) will arrange to visit to confirm the death. You can then contact us, and we will attend to bring your loved one to our funeral home or prepare for reposing at home, depending on your wishes.
If a death occurs abroad, we can assist with all repatriation arrangements. We work closely with the relevant authorities and the Irish Consulate to ensure your loved one is brought home with care and dignity.
If the death was sudden or unexpected, the doctor may need to refer the case to the coroner. The coroner’s office will determine if a post-mortem is required before the death can be registered.
Whatever the circumstances, our priority is to ease the burden on you and your family. We are available at any time, day or night, to offer guidance and support.
When planning a funeral, one of the first decisions is whether to choose burial or cremation. The choice often depends on the wishes of the deceased or their family, as well as local availability, cost and personal or religious preference.
Burial
Many families prefer burial, either as a personal choice or to follow family tradition. Burials may take place in a churchyard, cemetery or existing family grave, depending on availability and local permissions. If a new grave needs to be purchased, we can assist with all the necessary arrangements and paperwork.
Cremation
Cremation has become a more common choice in recent years and is often less expensive than burial. A gravesite does not need to be purchased, and the funeral service can take place at the crematorium, in a church, at our funeral home or another location. Families may then decide how to lay their loved one’s ashes to rest, whether to keep them at home, place them in a family grave or scatter them in a special place.
At McGowan’s Funeral Home, we can talk through the options with you and help ensure your choice reflects your family’s wishes and values.
Burial or Cremation
Civil Funerals
A civil funeral is a dignified ceremony that celebrates a person’s life and marks their passing with warmth and respect. It is created around the wishes of the family and those of the deceased, offering a personal and memorable alternative to a traditional format.
Each ceremony is led by a professional celebrant who works closely with the family to create a tribute that reflects the individual’s life, character and values. Readings, music and personal stories can all be included, and the ceremony can also include religious elements if you wish.
Every civil funeral is unique, with no set structure, and every detail is chosen to reflect the person being remembered. The result is a sincere and heartfelt farewell that honours the life they lived and the memories they leave behind.
At McGowan’s Funeral Home, we can guide you through each step of arranging a civil funeral and connect you with experienced celebrants who will help create a ceremony that feels right for your family.
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