Changing trends in funerals in Cork has seen the number of cremations increase in popularity recently, according to a Cork Funeral Directors.

John Keohane, of Keohane Funeral Directors, Cork, says he has observed the changes in funerals in the last 12 months, and noticed a dramatic increase in the number of cremations being carried out in Cork and indeed, across Ireland.

 “In the past year I have noticed a significant change in funeral trends and it now seems cremations are more popular that the traditional Catholic burial. In the last year, 75% of the funerals I have directed, have been cremations and the majority of these funerals have been Catholic” said John Keohane.

“Cremation is an alternative to burial and since the downturn in the economy, people are now opting for cremations more and more, due to significant cost savings they offer. The main difference in cost is the absence of the purchase of the grave itself, which can cost anywhere between €900 and €1700 in the Cork area, and in Dublin it can go as high as €2700 to €16000

 “Deansgrange Cemetery in Dublin for example, has been a burial ground since 1865 and is now at capacity.  There are therefore, only a limited number of plots available in what is known as ‘The Garden’.” John continued.

“Families are opting for cremations now more than ever as it is usual to still hold an appropriate service in the church before removing the coffin to the crematorium. Following the cremation, ashes are available within 24 -48hrs. The deceased can then chose to bury the ashes in a family grave if desired or scatter them in a place dear to them once permission is granted.”

“People are now becoming more open to the idea of cremations as they still get the traditional Christian service without the having to pay high funeral bills. We have carried out many funerals and initially I was surprised at the number of cremation requests, but nowadays it is more commonplace here in Cork”. John concluded.

There are four crematoria in Ireland, three of which are located in Dublin and the fourth is in Cork.

Keohanes Funeral Directors is an independent family owned and run business. Set up by John Keohane in 2012, Keohane’s Funeral Directors provides excellent care when families need it most.

Keohanes Funeral Directors is based on Copley Street in Cork City and has parking facilities with disability access certification.

For more information please visit www.keohanescork.ie