Our services to you start when you contact us, whether by telephone or calling personally at our funeral home and extend often way beyond the day of the funeral. On initial contact we will ask for preliminary details, whereupon if the deceased has died at home or in a private nursing home we will advise the conveyance of the deceased to our funeral home. We would then ask, at a time and place to suit the family, for the funeral director to call and arrange the funeral to a standard and procedure that meets the needs and requirements of those concerned.
Burial
If you choose a burial for your loved one, you may need to purchase a new grave or re-open an existing one. Where a new grave is required we will liaise with the cemetery’s representatives to select a new grave.
Cremation
If you choose a cremation for your loved one, we will organise the additional documentation which needs to be completed and signed before a cremation takes place. Most cemeteries and crematoria that are administered by local councils offer the facilities of small graves that can be purchased solely for cremated remains. These small graves can be visited by your family allowing you to pay your last respects and mark the grave with a headstone or grave marker.
Preparation of the Deceased
Hygienic treatment and attendance to the deceased are also considered to be very important by our experienced staff. The last time you saw a loved one may have been a distressing memory, perhaps in hospital or a private nursing home. We believe that, in asking us to look after a member of your family, you would like to be certain that the best that could be done for your relative has been done whether you wish to visit the deceased before the funeral or not.
Death Notices
We will assist with the preparation of a death announcement and ensure its publication in your chosen newspaper. Death notices are accepted by Local and National newspapers including:
- The Ballymena Times, The Ballymena Guardian, The Newsletter, The Telegraph, The Irish Times, The Irish Independent, The Irish Examiner, The Evening Herald, The Sunday Independent, etc.
Donations
If donations are requested in lieu of flowers we will accept and list donations on your behalf and forward them in due course to a charity of your choice.
Music and Hymn Selection
We will arrange the appropriate music, soloists, and musicians as preferred by the family (The list below is intended as a guideline only, there are many other hymns which are appropriate during a funeral mass/service).
Opening Hymns
- How Great Thou Art, Christ be beside me, Abide with me, Amazing Grace
Communion
- Panis Angelicus, Pie Jesu, Sweet Sacrament Divine, Sweet Heart of Jesus
Responsorial Psalm
- On Eagles Wings, The Lord is my Shepherd, Be not afraid, Here I am Lord
Recessional
- Jesus Remember Me, I’ll walk with God, May songs of the angels welcome you, Nearer my God to Thee
Offertory
- I am the Bread of Life, As I kneel before you, Lord accept the gifts we offer, Ave Maria
Venues and Catering
Following the funeral service or ceremony, we can arrange some light refreshments for the mourners, either at the family home or at a convenient venue. We can advise of suitable venues and if required liaise with the chosen venue on your behalf. As well as being able to help you with the venue, we can provide catering services to suit your specific requirements. A large range of catering equipment, crockery & furniture is also available for your needs both prior to and after the funeral service or ceremony.
Pre-arranged Funeral
A pre-paid funeral plan enables a person the opportunity to plan and pay for their funeral in advance. You can decide on the funeral you want, specifying your arrangements to include burial or cremation. Please contact us to discuss our available pre-paid funeral plans.
Repatriation
We offer repatriation service to and from Southern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales, personally undertaken by our suitable qualified and experienced staff in our removal vehicles or hearses. We are personally involved from the time of collection until arrival at the destination. We believe that human remains should not be treated a cargo, if at all possible. Funeral service offered in any area, distance not an issue.
