The Irish Wake

Whether a death is anticipated or unexpected, it is an incredibly challenging time for those close to the deceased. It is also a period when many decisions must be made, often very soon after the death, which can lead to significant stress.

Our practical guide below provides a quick step-by-step overview of the types of things you may need to address. Not all points on this list will apply to your specific situation, but many will. If the deceased left specific instructions regarding preferences for funeral and burial arrangements, along with a list of people to be notified, your task will be much easier. If not, you’ll need to consult other family members and look for address books or phone directories that can assist you

First things first

• Contact the next of kin, especially those who may be abroad and need to book flights.
• If a doctor is not present, reach out to a doctor to obtain a death certificate.
• The doctor will determine if a coroner needs to be called. In cases of sudden or unusual death, do not move anything until an official pronouncement of death has been made by the doctor.
• If the deceased held an organ donor card, inform the doctor of this immediately.
• Locate the person's burial instructions and last wishes, if they exist.

Following the death include:

• State authorities, e.g., if the deceased was receiving a pension or other forms of social security payments or health services.
• Insurance agencies and financial institutions.
• The deceased’s solicitor.
  • Most people in Ireland contact a funeral director for assistance with funeral arrangements.
  • If it was the deceased’s wish to be buried, find out if a burial plot exists and determine its exact location.
  • If you are using a local funeral director, they may assist you with this.

You may need to cancel some or all of the following

If it was the deceased’s wish to have a natural or woodland burial, you will need to contact the appropriate organization, such as The Green Graveyard Company, Ireland's first Natural Burial Ground, opened in October 2010, in Killane, Co. Wexford. If the deceased was religious, call the appropriate religious advisor for guidance. If the deceased wanted a non-religious ceremony, contact the Humanist Association of Ireland for assistance.

If it was the deceased’s wish to have a natural or woodland burial

Arrange for someone trustworthy to look after the house while you and the family attend the funeral. This is an important measure to guard against burglary. Accept help that others may offer sincerely and remember to keep a note of who to thank. Jobs that may need to be done include.

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He continued, "You could see her complexion start to fade. I gave her a few rescue breaths; her color began to improve. I started CPR while calling 911, and they asked, 'Do you have an AED?' I replied, 'Yes, I do.'" Alex hurried to retrieve theirs. "It’s incredibly intuitive. It guides you through the process step-by-step. I placed the pads while continuing CPR. It prompted a shock, and just like that." By the third shock, the paramedics arrived and took over.

He continued, "You could see her complexion start to fade. I gave her a few rescue breaths; her color began to improve. I started CPR while calling 911, and they asked, 'Do you have an AED?' I replied, 'Yes, I do.'" Alex hurried to retrieve theirs. "It’s incredibly intuitive. It guides you through the process step-by-step. I placed the pads while continuing CPR. It prompted a shock, and just like that." By the third shock, the paramedics arrived and took over.

He continued, "You could see her complexion start to fade. I gave her a few rescue breaths; her color began to improve. I started CPR while calling 911, and they asked, 'Do you have an AED?' I replied, 'Yes, I do.'" Alex hurried to retrieve theirs. "It’s incredibly intuitive. It guides you through the process step-by-step. I placed the pads while continuing CPR. It prompted a shock, and just like that." By the third shock, the paramedics arrived and took over.

He continued, "You could see her complexion start to fade. I gave her a few rescue breaths; her color began to improve. I started CPR while calling 911, and they asked, 'Do you have an AED?' I replied, 'Yes, I do.'" Alex hurried to retrieve theirs. "It’s incredibly intuitive. It guides you through the process step-by-step. I placed the pads while continuing CPR. It prompted a shock, and just like that." By the third shock, the paramedics arrived and took over.

He continued, "You could see her complexion start to fade. I gave her a few rescue breaths; her color began to improve. I started CPR while calling 911, and they asked, 'Do you have an AED?' I replied, 'Yes, I do.'" Alex hurried to retrieve theirs. "It’s incredibly intuitive. It guides you through the process step-by-step. I placed the pads while continuing CPR. It prompted a shock, and just like that." By the third shock, the paramedics arrived and took over.

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He continued, "You could see her complexion start to fade. I gave her a few rescue breaths; her color began to improve. I started CPR while calling 911, and they asked, 'Do you have an AED?' I replied, 'Yes, I do.'" Alex hurried to retrieve theirs. "It’s incredibly intuitive. It guides you through the process step-by-step. I placed the pads while continuing CPR. It prompted a shock, and just like that." By the third shock, the paramedics arrived and took over.

He continued, "You could see her complexion start to fade. I gave her a few rescue breaths; her color began to improve. I started CPR while calling 911, and they asked, 'Do you have an AED?' I replied, 'Yes, I do.'" Alex hurried to retrieve theirs. "It’s incredibly intuitive. It guides you through the process step-by-step. I placed the pads while continuing CPR. It prompted a shock, and just like that." By the third shock, the paramedics arrived and took over.

1. If the deceased had a will, it should specify who is to serve as the executor or personal representative.
2. This individual is responsible for ensuring that creditors are paid, assets are distributed, and estate tax returns are filed. Typically, this person will also investigate any benefits or insurance proceeds owed to the heirs. If the deceased died without a will (intestate), the law usually designates who is in charge: typically a surviving spouse, if available, or an adult child or parent.
3. A court hearing will be held to appoint someone, which may lead to disagreements if multiple individuals seek the role.