Church wake restrictions in Leitrim parishes lifted after 'workable arrangement' agreed

The recent restrictions on wakes being held in churches in Ardagh and Clonmacnoise diocese have been lifted.

Cllr Cormac Flynn (SF) revealed that he had been part of a delegation that met with Bishop Paul Connell.

He told Monday's monthly meeting of Leitrim County Council of the breakthrough, which occurred at an hour long meeting on Friday last.

Flynn, who is Principal of Mohill Community College, told the meeting that he was part of a three parish strong delegation that met Bishop Connell.

The parishes involved were his own Kiltoghert, Bornacoola and Annaduff.

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The councillor told the meeting that a “workable arrangement” had been agreed.

“The delegation met with the Bishop and a framework was established. Wordings will be worked on for funeral notices on RIP in advance of the reposals,” he explained.

“This outcome means that the Bishop and church can regain the narrative,” Cllr Flynn added.

Cllr Flynn outlined some of the concerns that there were with the new proposals not to let the deceased repose in churches.

“There were safety concerns in relation to rural houses. These included wheelchair access for infirm people. Recently, a person was electrocuted while installing lighting at a funeral,” he stated.

The revelation of the agreement on this contentious issue was warmly greeted by all in the council chamber.

“This outcome proves that dialogue works,” according to Cllr James Gilmartin (Ind). “I commend Cllr Flynn,” he added.

“This agreement means that the church listened to the people. It is important that we don't turn people away from the church,” Cllr Gary Prior (FF).

Cllr Sean McGowan, whose brother Michael, a funeral director in Dromod, was involved in the delegation, also welcomed the news.

“The church is a great setting for a reposal,” he commented.

Cllr Irene Guckian Rabbittee cited her own and her family's experience. “We understand as a family that having my late father (Cllr Des Guckian) repose in Annaduff Church took the pressure off us. It simply would not have been possible to manage traffic down the lane where our house was,” she stated.

Cllr Brendan Barry (SF) also welcomed the outcome.

“I welcome the discussions and the favourable outcome,” he stated. 

The proposed restrictions would have affected many parishes in Co. Leitrim, mainly in the south of the county.