O’Reilly’s Funeral Home & Services Tullamore
Cremation
1. Choosing Between Burial and Cremation
While burial remains the most traditional option in Ireland, cremation is becoming increasingly popular. Several factors may influence this decision, including the wishes of the deceased, whether a family plot is available, and overall budget considerations.
Although many people believe cremation is significantly less expensive than burial, this is not always the case. The cost difference between cremation and reopening an existing grave is minimal. However, if a new grave must be purchased, the difference can be substantial.
2. Cremation Services in Dublin
There are three crematoria located in Dublin, each offering chapel facilities where services can take place. Families may choose to hold a short prayer service after a church ceremony, or they can hold the full service or mass in the crematorium chapel itself.
Music can also be personalised — families are welcome to provide CDs, iPods, or similar devices with their chosen songs to be played during the service. Ashes are typically available within two to three days after the cremation.
3. Documentation Required for Cremation
When cremation is chosen, certain paperwork must be completed before authorisation can be granted. Your funeral director will assist with this process and provide the necessary forms, which include:
Funeral Director’s Form: Includes personal details of the deceased, time and place of the cremation, and the name of the next of kin or executor granting permission.
Executor or Next of Kin Permission: Written authorisation for the cremation to proceed.
Medical Certificate: Completed by the attending doctor, outlining the medical history, confirming identity, and stating that the doctor has identified the deceased after death. The doctor must be registered in Ireland for at least two years.
Coroner’s Permission: In cases of sudden or unexplained death, or where no qualified doctor is available, the local coroner may authorise cremation.
Medical Referee Approval: Each crematorium has a medical referee who ensures all conditions are met before confirming that cremation may take place.
4. Options for Ashes After Cremation
After cremation, families have several options for the final resting place of their loved one’s ashes. Many choose to keep the ashes at home or scatter them in a location that holds special meaning. Other options include:
Columbarium Walls: Ashes are placed in a niche behind an engraved plaque within a dedicated wall.
Garden of Remembrance: Ashes are buried in a shared garden plot, with plaques displayed nearby.
Cremation Plots: Some cemeteries offer small graves reserved specifically for cremated remains.
Family Graves: Ashes can also be interred with other family members in existing graves.