irish traveller funeral

Murdered Irish traveller buried in golden casket as 200 attend London funeral

Although police made seven arrests over his killing, all of the suspects were released on conditional bail.

• 15:47, 6 OCT 2022

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A murdered Traveller was buried in a gold casket two months on from his death this week.

A lavish funeral was held for Sligo native Michael McDonagh, 53, in London with around 200 in attendance including many from his hometown in Ireland.

His large coffin was surrounded by floral tributes to the father-of-six.

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Former drug trafficker McDonagh died while on holiday following an altercation in Camber Sands, Sussex in South East England just after midnight on August 6.

Investigators believe that the incident was recorded in full on a phone but they have yet to locate this man.

McDonagh's funeral, which took place at the Sacred Heart & Mary Immaculate Church in Mill Hill on Wednesday, heard that the family's pain is "unimaginable" and that his wife and children have had to deal with this "burden and ordeal".

One of McDonagh's brothers spoke and said: "Michael would be very proud of them.

"Everyone of them, Michael himself, he loved his family. He adored them. He was a special man, he was unique, you'll never get anyone like him again.

"And for a young family, the world can be cruel sometimes. This wasn't the way Michael wanted to go out. Never. But that's what happens.

"He was a loving husband and father."

Standing back and turning to the casket, he added: "Michael, you're a legend on earth. You're a legend in heaven. And you'll always be our legend forever, it was a privilege to have you as my brother. It was an honour to have you as my brother."

McDonagh's daughter Stephanie thanked people for travelling from afar.

She described her father as the "strongest person" she's ever known and the "life and soul of every party."

And speaking after the service, Stephanie urged people to contact the police with information over the incident.

She said: "He was there with his family and he should have had a nice time and he should have come home. And he didn't.

"That could happen to anyone, it could happen again. If people know any information I hope they come forward so we can get justice."

McDonagh's casket was later carried into a cemetery for burial.

Although McDonagh was once a huge drug trafficker, it is not believed he was still involved in the game at the time of his death.

He left Ireland for the UK when the Criminal Assets Bureau seized his plush home near Ballintogher, Sligo after proving it was bought from the proceeds of crime in the early 2000s.

His gang was behind a massive haul of drugs which was seized by cops in the UK in 2008.

After a period on the run, the former boxer was arrested in Amsterdam,

Holland in November 2010 and extradited back to the UK on foot of an international warrant for his arrest.

McDonagh was jailed for seven years for drug trafficking while 23 others of his gang were also caged over the seizure.

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Gardai call to Traveller funeral attended by dozens with many having arrived from UK

Gardaí were called to a Traveller funeral yesterday when up to 50 mourners, mostly from the UK, gathered to pay their respects.

Very few of the mourners in Rathnew, Co. Wicklow were wearing masks or observing social distancing guidelines.

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Beforehand, a campervan along with a number of vehicles with English registrations had followed a hearse inside Rathnew Cemetery. A canopy was erected along with speakers which amplified music throughout the graveyard.

A concerned member of the public reported the assembly to gardaí, who arrived at the scene a short time later.

Current health restrictions stipulate that only a maximum of ten people can attend a funeral.

A Garda spokesperson said they had ‘engaged’ with those present, but confirmed the attendees were not fined despite the breach in guidelines. Ronnie Fay, director with Travellers’ rights group Pavee Point, told the Irish Daily Mail she wasn’t aware of yesterday’s funeral, but acknowledged a number of similar gatherings in recent weeks.

‘Over the past few weeks, we’ve heard of several funerals that were in breach of the COVID-19 guidelines,’ she said.

‘People have travelled across the Irish Sea to attend them, which we would, of course, discourage.

‘We’re now calling on all Travellers to adhere to the public health measures. No one wants to see one funeral being the making of another through the spread of COVID. People need to think of their families and there are other ways of showing respect to their deceased loved ones.’

Earlier this week, gardaí sent a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions after a large crowd gathered at a house in Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, following a funeral on Monday. Enniscorthy currently has the second highest infection rate of COVID-19 in the country, with 3,291 cases per 100,000 of the population. Gardaí put in place a policing plan for the funeral in Gorey, Co. Wexford, and it is understood up to 200 people gathered at a house in Enniscorthy later that evening.

A Garda spokesperson said:‘Gardaí attended the incident and a number of persons were identified to be in breach of the Health Act. A file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.’

Gardaí also engaged with a number of individuals at the funeral in Wexford who weren’t social distancing or wearing face masks. ‘These individuals then complied with public health regulations,’ the spokesperson said.

This week, Liz Canavan, a spokesperson for the Department of the Taoiseach, warned of significant numbers of people congregating at funeral homes, churches and graveyards before and after services. She encouraged those who want to pay their condolences to do so on social media or by sending a card.

Last month, locals from Ramsgrange in Co. Wexford were outraged over a large funeral gathering that took place in their community.

Gardaí launched an investigation into the incident, which was described as a ‘superspreader’ event.

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Huge traveller funeral in Ireland draws big crowds despite limit of 10 mourners

People had come to mourn the deaths of traveller brothers Johnny and Michael Cash at the church in Cork, but locals were concerned as they appeared to ignore social distancing

• 16:02, 11 May 2020

More than 150 people appeared to ignore social distancing restrictions as they arrived at a church to pay tribute to two brothers.

People mingled outside Farranree Church, in Cork, while the funeral mass of Johnny and Michael Cash took place inside.

Locals expressed concerns as large groups of mourners from the traveller community mixed in the north of the city, Cork Beo reports.

Mourners were seen shaking hands, embracing and standing in groups as the funeral cortege made its way to the church.

People appeared to have travelled some distances to attend the funeral of the two young men, who had died in America and had been brought home to be laid to rest.

Cars and camper vans with registrations from different counties around Ireland and from the UK were seen parked outside the church.

The cortege, which included two horse-drawn carriages and scores of vehicles, started at O'Connor's Funeral Home on Shandon Street before making its way to the church for the 11am funeral mass.

The two men were then taken to St Catherine's Cemetery in Kilcully on the outskirts of the city for burial.

Three members of An Garda Siochana were in the vicinity of the church, directing traffic and watching over proceedings.

Under government restrictions, funeral masses are currently supposed to be limited to immediate family members only.

The number of people attending the mass and the burial should not exceed 10 according to government guidelines.

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Thousands of mourners turn out for huge traveller funeral for Gypsy matriarch and son killed just weeks apart

• Alice Fuller
• Published : 19:38, 17 Aug 2021

THOUSANDS of mourners turned out for a huge traveller funeral today to remember a Gypsy matriarch and her son.

Ryalla Duffy, 61, and 21-year-old Absolom were killed just weeks apart in a double tragedy for the family.

Crowds filled the city of Lincoln to pay tribute to the prominent gypsy traveller campaigner and her "kindhearted" son.

Ryalla was one of the founder members of the National Federation of Gypsy Liaison Groups and ran a travellers’ site in Saxilby, Lincolnshire, for more than 20 years.

She was also a successful poet, author and film maker who was well known for defending the rights of the Travelling community.

Ryalla died on March 10 following a sudden illness, while her son Absolom - known to pals as Absy - died in a car crash on July 8.

Police and highways officials set up a major operation to accommodate up to 3,000 mourners attending the service at Lincoln Cathedral.

The seven-mile funeral procession left Saxilby at around 8.30am with signage warning of long delays across the city and A46 Lincoln bypass.

The cortège was led by two carriages, each drawn by six horses containing the two gold coffins, followed by seven limousines and 15 flatbed trucks brimming with £15,000 worth of flowers.

'FOREVER REMEMBERED'

Lincoln Cathedral was closed to visitors while the funeral took place, and Lincoln County Hospital warned anyone with appointments to allow extra time for their journey.

Many of the shops in Lincoln's normally bustling tourist district also shut their doors.

Speaking in advance of the service, Ryalla's daughter and Absy's sister, Vee Duffy Williams, said mourners were travelling from around the world to give her mum a good send off.

The 38-year-old said: "Mum was very well known all over the country and all over the world for the work that she did in standing up for the rights of the Travelling community.

"She was also a very well known  poet, author and film-maker, so we're expecting around 1,500 people there, but it could be up to 3,000.

"We've got people coming from America, Canada, Germany and Australia, so it's going to be a big event."

Both of them were very helpful people and mum always stood up for what was right and fought for the rights of the community. Vee Duffy Williams

And a handwritten note which followed the coffins read: "My Ry and dear Absy, who brought such love and wisdom to all they knew, will be forever remembered with love.

"Always your sweet pea, I was blessed to have had you in my life."

Ryalla had operated a traveller's site on the outskirts of Saxilby for more than 20 years and had led the Lincolnshire Gypsy Liaison Group since 2005.

The group is a non-profit organisation established to provide support in all areas of living for members of the gypsy and traveller community.

Ryalla and Absy, who worked as a tree surgeon, were both remembered at Tuesday's event.

Vee added: "They were both such lovely people and Absy was the most kindhearted person I knew

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"If someone asked him for help he would give them his last pound because we were all raised like that, and he always had such respect for his elders.

"Both of them were very helpful people and mum always stood up for what was right and fought for the rights of the community."

• Lincolnshire

Watch: Traveller funeral draws big crowds to Cork church on northside of city

The funeral of two traveller brothers took place this morning with a crowd of over 150 people gathering outside the church

• 12:21, 11 MAY 2020
• Updated 14:56, 11 MAY 2020

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Large crowds gathered outside a Cork church this morning to pay tribute to two brothers who tragically passed away recently.

Over 150 people mingled outside Farranree Church on the northside of the city while the funeral mass of two members of the Cash family took place inside.

Locals expressed concerns as large groups of mourners mixed outside the church in the heart of Farrenree with little or no regard for social distancing.

Watch: Huge traveller funeral draws big crowds to Cork church on northside of city

Mourners were seen shaking hands, embracing and standing in groups as the funeral cortege made its way to the church.

People appeared to have travel some distances to attend the funeral of the two young men, who had died in America and had been brought home to be laid to rest.

Cars and camper vans with registrations from different counties around Ireland and from the UK were seen parked outside the church.

The cortege, which included two horse-drawn carriages and scores of vehicles, started at O'Connor's Funeral Home on Shandon Street before making its way to the church for the 11am funeral mass.

The two men were then taken to St Catherine's Cemetery in Kilcully on the outskirts of the city for burial.

Three members of An Garda Siochana were in the vicinity of the church, directing traffic and watching over proceedings.

Under government restrictions, funeral masses are currently supposed to be limited to immediate family members only.

The number of people attending the mass and the burial should not exceed 10 according to government guidelines.

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Priest feared someone would get killed during violent brawl at Galway funeral

Fr. ray flaherty expressed his shock after a violent brawl, reportedly a feud between traveller families, broke out at a funeral in co galway this week..

A Galway-based priest who officiated at a funeral that turned into a graveside brawl has said that it was his "worst ever experience" as a priest. 

Seven people were hospitalized due to the injuries they sustained during the brawl at a local cemetery on the Athenry Road in Tuam, County Galway, on September 22. 

Armed gardaí, an Army helicopter, and five helicopters were called to the scene as brawlers attacked with knives, slash hooks, and saws. It is believed that one victim was rushed to hospital with severe stab wounds. 

• Dublin priest slams glorification of criminality at gangster's funeral

Numerous publications report that the brawl related to an ongoing feud between two local Traveller families that had been escalating over recent months. The feud is not believed to be related to the families of the deceased. 

Fr. Ray Flaherty told the Irish Sun that members of the bereaved family, who were not involved in the brawl, had apologized for the incident. 

“I did the second funeral. I wasn’t aware of the background . . . I’ve always had a great time for the Travelling community," Fr. Flaherty said.

“Regardless of who they are, you treat everybody the same. I’ve always had a policy that if you meet people half way, they’ll always meet you the other half.

“I know some members of the family came up to me afterwards and were apologetic.”

Fr. Flaherty said he feared that someone would get killed during the brawl.

"I was really shocked by the whole thing. I tried to calm things with the few guards who were initially present, but you might as well be shouting in the wind," he told the Irish Sun. 

"It was my worst ever experience. I’ve heard about it happening in places, but it was shocking to see." 

• Thugs who shockingly knocked girl under Dublin train accused of prior attacks

An eye-witness who was attending a loved one's grave in the cemetery when the fight broke out described the brawl as "complete carnage" and told the Irish Independent that he had never seen anything like it. 

The unnamed witness said that there were two funerals in the cemetery on Wednesday and that a number of people remained after the first funeral had ended. 

"When the second funeral drove into the graveyard all hell broke loose," the witness told the Irish Independent. 

"I’ve never seen anything like it in my life- women screaming, kids running for cover, and their mothers shouting ‘Go behind the wall’.

"And next thing rocks started raining down on the people coming in the second funeral." 

The witness said that some brawlers ripped wooden crosses out of graves to use as weapons and added that he saw Fr. Flaherty begging people to stop. 

He said that he also saw paramedics assisting a man who had suffered a serious head injury and was "losing a lot of blood". 

Gardaí have confirmed that they are investigating the incident and arrested a male youth who attempted to flee the scene in possession of a knife. 

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President joins mourners in Navan as 'noble soul' Michael McDonagh is laid to rest

President Michael D Higgins attended the funeral yesterday (Tuesday) of Michael McDonagh, tireless campaigner for Travellers rights, manager of Meath Travellers Workshop and former peacekeeper.

Michael, of Reask Court, Navan died on Saturday morning and was buried in St Joseph's Cemetery, Dundalk following mass in St Mary's Church, Navan.

“He was a non judgemental man who transformed hostility to hospitality,” said chief concelebrant. Fr Michael McCullough CM.

Michael McDonagh was the driving force behind the establishment of Meath Travellers Workshop which provided opportunities for many Travellers to complete training courses, learn traditional skills, learn about and take pride in the Traveller customs, values and way of life.

The workshop has grown and developed over time, but the core principles still remain the betterment of the Traveller community.

Michael represented Traveller views at national level and was a highly respected voice for the Traveller community. He featured in various documentaries and talk shows including the Late Late Show and was part of the cast of the television production The Blood of the Travellers which won an (Irish Film and Television Award) IFTA award and he was also nominated for an IFTA award for his participation in ‘John Connors, The Travellers.’

He was described as a “noble soul and a man of God” by chief concelebrant, Fr Michael McCullough CM.

“Michael McDonagh exercised a ministry of inclusion and affirmation,” he said.

He recalled Michael’s service in the army and as a peacekeeper.

“As a peacekeeper he delighted in walking in the footsteps of an itinerant preacher from Nazareth.”

Fr McCullough said Michael and Nell - his wife of 45 years - were a team and their family honours them in every way with the values they instilled in them.

A graduate of NUI, Maynooth, Michael’s latest project was a genealogy project with Meath County Library that looked at the history of Traveller families over the years. He was passionate about tracing families and making connections and links between townlands that had been home to Traveller families down through the years.

Michael worked on a prison links project with his wife Nell where they listened to and supported Travellers in prison and aided them on their release.

Michael in his work as Manager of Meath Travellers workshop has been responsible for many positive developments for the Traveller Community both at local and national level. He worked behind the scenes for many years to achieve ethnic status for Irish Travellers which came to pass in March 2017.

“Michaels’s legacy will live on in the work being done by Meath Travellers Workshop,” said Marina Cuningham deputy manager of Meath Travellers Workshop.

“Michael was a true gentleman, and we were lucky to know him,” she said.

Catherine Joyce, chair of Meath Travellers Workshop said that in Michael’s short life, he had made a significant contribution to Irish society and the Traveller Community.

“He served in the army and as a peacekeeper in the Lebanon, as generations of Travellers have done.

“It is important to remember not just his contribution to Traveller life, but to wider society.

“He will be sadly missed from the Library project he has been involved in and from Meath Travellers Workshop.

“We hope we will be able to build on his positive work.

“We are pleased by the attendance of President Higgins at his funeral today,” she said.

)An expert on Traveller history and culture, Michael and his wife Nell shared a passion for the retention of Traveller and Roma identity.

He was a founder and board member on national and international organisations including Minceir Misle; the National Council for Travelling People; the Traveller Prison Initiative Steering Group, and chairperson of the National Traveller Partnership.

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The Travellers’ Voice magazine, paying tribute, said: “Michael was a great advocate of the Traveller community and a tireless worker for the progression of Traveller rights throughout his life and career. Michael was a renowned storyteller and custodian of Traveller history and culture, ensuring the Traveller ways of life from years past were understood and celebrated by the younger generations.”

His coffin was draped in the Irish flag and the colours of the UN peacekeeping forces.

Among the symbols of his life presented at the altar were his army beret and medals, a photograph of four generations of his family who served in the army and a crucifix blessed by Saint John Paul whom he met a number of times.

Michael is survived by his wife, Ellen (Nell), children Nathanya, Stephen, Laura, Marie and Mícheal, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, sons-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

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Gardaí must be 'more assertive' at large funerals – Traveller advocate

Mourners asked on social media to attend graveyard only if they could socially distance.

Mourners at the funeral of Michael and Johnny Cash on their way to Farranree Church, in Cork.

Gardaí must be “more assertive at dispersing people” when large numbers of mourners attend funerals, a leading Traveller advocate has warned.

Martin Collins, co-director of Pavee Point, said large funerals would continue, despite the HSE rules that they should not happen during the pandemic, as they had "huge cultural and emotional significance" for Travellers.

He was speaking as an extended Traveller family in Cork buried their fourth young man in less than a week.

The funerals, in Cork and Wexford, have drawn sharp criticism as each attracted more than 150 mourners. However, Traveller groups point out that Traveller family groups tend to be much larger than average ones.

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On Monday, more than 100 people gathered outside Farranree church on Cork city's northside for the funeral Mass of brothers Johnny (17) and Michael (41) Cash originally from the Fairhill area. Mourners followed the cortege to St Catherine's Cemetery in Kilcully, where onlookers said social distancing was not observed.

Media reports suggested mourners had come from several counties and Britain. Local Independent councillor Ken O’Flynn said: “Most people are adhering to [the rules] despite the fact that they’re unable to attend loved ones’ [funerals].

“But where Travellers and their funerals are concerned, there appears to be one law for the general population and another for this specific ethnic group.”

Traveller funerals elsewhere in recent weeks have also drawn criticism, notably in Birr, Co Offaly; Bundoran, Co Donegal; New Ross, Co Wexford; and in Coolock, Dublin.

In Offaly, local councillor John Leahy said he had been contacted by many constituents expressing their anger at the scenes there.

According to Government guidelines, during the crisis “funerals should be private and limited to a maximum of 10 people”.

Given that the HSE is now focusing on helping vulnerable groups, like Travellers, the Roma and people in direct provision, pressure is likely to grow on the Traveller community to do more to help themselves – especially by avoiding large gatherings like funerals.

Many at Monday's funeral had travelled from Wexford where on Sunday the deceased men's cousin, Paddy Cash (18), was buried. He had died with Johnny in a car crash in Boston on April 22nd. Michael Cash died earlier this month in his sleep.

The previous weekend dozens of the same mourners had gathered outside the same Cork church and travelled on to the same cemetery for the funeral of Cornelius "Connie" O'Donoghue (42) who had died the week before, also in his sleep. A separated father of three, he was related, by marriage, to the Cash family.

His sister and carer, Nora O’Donoghue, organised his funeral while also reeling from the news of her brothers-in-law’s deaths.

"Her children lost three uncles in three days," says sister-in-law Breda O'Donoghue, advocacy officer with the Cork Traveller Visibility Group.

A Traveller funeral at Church of the Resurrection in Farrenree, Cork city. Photograph: Damian Coleman

“As you can imagine, people were very low. Two young boys killed. Two other young men had died,” she says.

Undertakers, O’Connor’s, agreed that two people at a time could pay respects at the funeral home.

“That all went smoothly,” says Ms O’Donoghue. “The next day, what we said to the family was: ‘You can’t come into the church but you can pay your respects outside, socially distancing.’” The Mass was attended by Mr O’Donoghue’s mother, children and seven siblings.

Mourners were asked on social media to attend the graveyard only if they could socially distance. Though it “did get tight around the grave”, Ms O’Donoghue says households stayed apart from other families.

She points out Travellers’ households are often large. One of Connie’s sisters has three adult children with spouses and 15 grandchildren living in caravans in her back yard. “They are all living with each other. They aren’t going to socially distance,” says Ms O’Donoghue.

Cultural significance

She stresses the shock and grief the family has been plunged into in the past three weeks but also the cultural significance of funerals to a “marginalised and isolated” community.

“It is part of solidarity with the community. It is instilled in you from a very young age, you have to go to funerals. You have to be there to stand with the family. These are the vital parts of our culture,” she says.

“So much of our culture has been pulled away – our nomadism, our economy. The effects of all that on our community are so detrimental. When your culture is under threat, you hold on to the things that you can. Always for us we have massive funerals. Honouring the dead is so important. There is a sense of loss if you don’t take part in the funeral.”

Mr Collins agrees, saying: “There are deep emotions around funerals, deeper than for christenings or weddings I’d say. There is a shame on you and your family if you aren’t seen at a family funeral.”

He has said in statements in recent weeks that during the Covid-19 pandemic this aspect of Traveller culture will have to “take a back seat” and large gatherings are “just not acceptable”. He reiterates this and adds gardaí should step in if necessary.

“It is not acceptable that social distancing is not being observed. But it is also unacceptable that the gardaí are standing back. They are well able to step in when they want to. There is scope for them to intervene, respectfully and politely, and to ask people to disperse.

“This is about saving lives – Traveller lives and settled people’s lives.”

A Garda spokeswoman said: “We have engaged extensively with Traveller community representative groups in relation to the public health guidelines.

"In supporting the guidelines, An Garda Síochána has adopted a graduated policing response based on its tradition of policing by consent. This has seen Gardaí engage, educate, encourage and, as a last resort, enforce."

Kitty Holland

Kitty Holland is Social Affairs Correspondent of The Irish Times

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Irish funeral traditions, customs, and beliefs.

Irish funerals typically include a few rituals and beliefs but are unique in their sendoff of the deceased. They offer an opportunity for friends and family to come together in celebration of the life that has been lost. It is an integral part of Irish culture to honor the passing of someone close to them, as well as provide comfort and support for those left behind.

Irish beliefs on death and dying

When a loved one dies, there are certain Irish funeral traditions that take place both at the funeral and well before it. Here are some of the beliefs that the Irish have after a loved one passes away:

• When someone has died, the family will typically open the window to allow the spirit of the person who has passed to leave. If the Irish wake is being held in the family's home, attendees will generally do their best to avoid blocking the exit so that the deceased's spirit has a clear exit from the home.
• Clocks are stopped at the time of death, a practice that is believed to prevent bad luck. (It also serves as a sign of respect for the person who has passed.)
• Mirrors in the house may be covered with shrouds to prevent the deceased's soul or spirit from being trapped inside.

These beliefs are meant to assist the soul of the deceased in their journey to what the Irish believe is a better place after someone has died.

Irish wakes

An Irish wake is unlike other traditional wakes in that it is not just a formal gathering. It is more of a celebration of life than a somber affair, incorporating both music and storytelling as part of the service. An Irish wake is likely to turn into a party in honor of the person who passed away. They're typically complete with food, drinks, and a celebration of the person who passed away. If you're attending an Irish funeral or wake, don't be surprised if you end up taking a shot at some point during the ceremonies!

What to bring to an Irish Wake

If you're invited to an Irish wake, it is customary to bring food and drinks with you. This can be anything from a prepared meal or snacks, as well as beer, wine, whiskey, or other spirits. If you know the family well, it may be worth reaching out to them directly to ask what they would like you to bring. While Irish wakes will likely have a similar sort of theme and similarity, not all wakes are the same. Some families may lean into the mourning aspect of a wake more than others, so try to be mindful of that.

Irish funeral and burial traditions

Since much of the population in Ireland identifies as Catholic, Catholic traditions play a big part in many Irish funeral beliefs and rituals.

The typical order of service at a traditional Irish funeral looks as follows: Prayers, readings from the Bible, a eulogy or reflection from the family or clergy, hymns and songs (often traditional Irish folk music), and finally Communion.

Irish funeral songs

If you're attending an Irish funeral or are in charge of looking into music for a funeral, this is a good place to start. Playing culturally relevant music at a funeral can help bring comfort and a sense of belonging to those in attendance. It is not uncommon for traditional Irish music or popular modern songs with Irish roots to be played throughout the service.

Some popular Irish funeral song choices include:

• "Danny Boy"
• "The Parting Glass"
• "The Wexford Carol"
• "Slán Abhaile (Safe Home)"
• "Will Ye Go Lassie, Go?"

Irish funeral prayers, blessings, and poems

Another method of expression at Irish funerals is spoken word, whether that be in the form of a funeral poem , a prayer, or a blessing (or even another type of reading). Interestingly, some of the popular Irish funeral blessings are actually famous poems about death and dying. One popular example of this is the poem Death Is Nothing At All by Henry Scott-Holland, which reads:

Death is nothing at all. It does not count. I have only slipped away into the next room. Nothing has happened. Everything remains exactly as it was. I am I, and you are you, and the old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged. Whatever we were to each other, that we are still. Call me by the old familiar name. Speak of me in the easy way which you always used. Put no difference into your tone. Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without an effort, without the ghost of a shadow upon it. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was. There is absolute and unbroken continuity. What is this death but a negligible accident? Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just round the corner. All is well. Nothing is hurt; nothing is lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before. How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!

Though this is a poem, you may heard it read as an Irish funeral blessing or prayer during a traditional Irish funeral. Other prayers you may hear are prayers that are often recited at traditional Catholic funerals, such as the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.

Traditional Gaelic blessings

If you're looking for shorter expressions of sympathy, you can also consider traditional Gaelic blessings. There are a variety of Gaelic blessings you can say at a traditional Irish funeral, but it's a good idea to stick to Gaelic blessings for the dead. Here are some Gaelic blessings and short prayers for the dead you can consider saying:

• "May the winds of Heaven blow softly, and whisper in your ear, how much we love and miss you, and wish that you were here."
• "The Lord's light should be upon them. May their courage never die."
• "May you see him/her in heaven."
• "May God level the road for his soul."

These can also serve as good choices if you're attending an Irish funeral and considering giving a toast to the deceased. Irish prayers for the dead are generally shorter, which makes them great to use in toasts and as a greeting or parting saying to the family of your loved one. Alternatively, if you'd like an Irish prayer for death that's rooted in the Bible or want to quote a specific verse, you can consider choosing one of these passages:

• "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." – Romans 8:38-39
• "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." – Revelation 21:4
• "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters." – Psalm 23:1-2

Now that you have a little more information on Irish funeral traditions, you can feel more prepared for what to expect if you attend an Irish funeral. While Irish funerals may include a time for celebrating, sharing good food, and even drinking -- it is still important to remember that the tone of an Irish funeral should be one of respect for the deceased.

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