The original rules were tough, even if they were alien in a county where funeral rites last three days – just 10 people at the funeral ceremony, no sympathising at the graveside and no gatherings at homes, funeral homes or churches. If anything, the job of funeral directors such as Mr Gleasure became more difficult after the first phase of lockdown restrictions were eased, with 2km travel extending to 5km. Instead, it was “straight to the church on the morning”, Mr Gleasure says. A number of trends are emerging which may well continue, Mr Gleasure thinks. Equally, families in rural parts of Kerry, unable to mourn relatives in funeral homes, have begun to bring a loved one’s corpse home for private mourning.

Source: The Irish Times June 06, 2020 04:52 UTC