First Steps

With You every Step

First Steps

With You every Step

Most people only arrange one funeral in their lifetime. The process may seem overwhelming. We are funeral directors who bring several lifetimes of experience and knowledge to our services. We will guide and advise you through each and every detail. Our primary role is to work with you as a family as you prepare to say the final goodbye to your loved one.

If the death was expected the deceased will have been attended to by their GP recently. The initial call should be made to the doctor who will be required to visit the home to confirm that death has occurred.

If calling the GP out-of-hours you may be directed to contact South Doc 0646641333/1850335999. The locum will visit the home to confirm death has occurred. Your GP should then be contacted the following morning and advised that death has occurred. Once death has been confirmed (by GP or locum) you can contact us to begin to make funeral arrangements.
If the death is unexpected the first call should be made to the deceased’s GP who attended during their most recent illness. The GP may/may not wish to refer the death to the Coroner and will advise you of the procedure. For any death at home the family may also wish to contact a Minister of their faith.

Normally a doctor will be in attendance or called by the nursing team to confirm that death has occurred. The doctor or hospital staff will advise the family if a post mortem examination will be required (see below), but in most cases this will not be necessary and you can contact us to make funeral arrangements.

Sudden deaths, wherever they occur, should be reported to An Garda Síochána, – Kenmare 0646641177/ Killarney 0646671160 or Emergency number 999/112, who in turn will refer the death to the Coroner. The Coroner, who having assessed the facts surrounding the death, may issue instructions for a post-mortem examination (or autopsy) to take place. This is an examination carried out by a pathologist to establish the medical cause of death. When an autopsy is required there will normally be a delay of 1 to 2 days (or longer if death occurs at a weekend or bank holiday). When the death has been reported you can contact us to begin to make funeral arrangements.

Unique Person – Unique Funeral – Your Choice

Every person is unique, so every funeral should be too. Our aim is to ensure that the final tribute is a true reflection of your wishes and those of your family and the deceased. Funerals vary by way of your choices.

Standard aspects of a funeral that you will consider and that we can help with, organise for you and oversee for you

  • Do you want burial or cremation?
  • Do you want a Religious / Non- Religious service?
  • Where do you want to hold the service – in a church, funeral home, crematorium or at home?
  • Where will the deceased repose? At home? In our Funeral Home?
  • Do you want to have a one or two day funeral? i.e. a removal on the day of the funeral or on the evening before
  • When do you want to have the funeral?
  • What clothes will the deceased wear when reposing?
  • Any personal special requests?
  • Coffin selection?
  • Will you publish a death notice on local radio or on RIP.ie or in a national newspaper?
  • Obituary notice wording?
  • Do you require music for the funeral service? Organist? Soloist?
  • Are you going to use Mass/Service booklets?
  • Flowers?
  • Do you want a framed photograph to place on the coffin?
  • Do you want to pass the house en-route to the church or cemetery?
  • Will family members carry the coffin at the funeral?
  • Will you need transport on the day of the funeral?
  • Do you need to arrange lunch for family and friends after the funeral?