From Quantity Surveyor to caring hands: A New Generation Redefines the Funeral Industry
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At an age when most boys idolise footballers, Joseph Twomey recalled sending fan mail to a funeral director whose career he had been following for some time. The 27-year-old said that working in O’Connors Funeral Home in Cork’s North Gate bridge had been a dream of his for provided that he could remember.
He described how seeing Val O’Connor at the funeral of a neighbor was a life defining moment for him. From that day forward, the respected figure – who later passed away in 2019 – became a source of inspiration for Joseph.
“I was 13 years old when my dad tapped me on the shoulder and pointed to this man with snow white hair,” he told the Irish Examiner. “That man turned out to be Val O’Connor. I could instantly see how much respect he had. I wondered what it was he did to get that kind of respect from people.
“From there on in, I observed him at every funeral he was at. At 15 years old, I wrote Val a letter telling him how well respected he was. I also expressed an interest in the funeral industry. I wanted to help families at the most difficult time of their lives, just like he did.”
He said one day he came home and his sister told him he had missed call from Val O’Connor. “I couldn’t believe that a man this busy had taken the time to call me. You don’t expect to get a letter like that from a 15-year-old. He wanted to let me know how grateful he was and how much he appreciated the letter. His son Finbarr later organised a week of work experience for me with O’Connors,” he added.
[Val O’Connor, the former proprietor of O’Connor’s funeral home, became a source of inspiration for Joseph twomey. File Picture: Eddie O’hare]
Joseph is among a growing number of first-generation funeral directors changing the face of the industry. In recent years, he quit his lucrative career in quantity surveying for a vocation he had long dreamed of.
It comes as the Irish Association of Funeral Directors says more first-generation funeral directors are registering with it than ever before. The association reported that, in 2010, first-generational funeral directors accounted for 60% of the students on their education course. Of the students who completed their education course in 2024, less than 10% came from family run firms.
Joseph was among those who completed the training, learning vital skills including embalming and supporting families of the bereaved. The funeral director insists he has no regrets about embarking on the unconventional career change.
Reflecting on the transition he said: “It came to Leaving Cert,and I was lucky to have a lot of choices.
“I wanted to pursue a career in the funeral industry right away, but Finbarr O’Connor and my family had a chat and they felt it would be best for me not to put all my eggs in one basket.
“My other love was music, but I decided on quantity surveying in the end which led me to the UK. If I could have made two lives, I would have stayed there, but I realised I only had one. While I loved the job there, it was never my dream.”
His passion for the funeral industry only grew stronger with each day.
“I wrote a diary every day, and it always came back to seeing that man at the funeral in Donoughmore.Over the years, he had done such good work for families. I wanted to do the same.”
Lisa Dillane, from Tralee, is just starting out after leaving her job as a professional singer to pursue a career as an embalmer. The 37 year-old’s path into the industry was also unconventional.
The Changing Face of Funeral Directing in Ireland: Tradition Meets Modernity
The funeral industry in Ireland is undergoing a important conversion. Once dominated by small, family-run businesses often integrated with other local services, it’s now evolving to meet the demands of a changing society. This shift includes embracing professionals from diverse backgrounds and expanding the scope of services offered,all while maintaining the core values of compassion and respect. As Niamh Sweeney, President of the Irish Association of Funeral Directors (IAFD), notes, the work is frequently enough done with a level of discretion that’s “like Banksy.”
From Sideline Business to Dedicated Service
Historically, funeral homes in Ireland were frequently extensions of other family businesses. It wasn’t uncommon to find a funeral director also running a grocery store or pub, notably in rural areas. https://www.iafd.ie/ This integrated approach provided a community-focused service, deeply rooted in local life.
however, as towns and cities grew, so did the demands on funeral firms. Many family-owned businesses expanded, requiring more staff and multiple locations to serve their communities effectively. This growth necessitated a shift in recruitment practices.
Opening Doors to New Professionals
The industry is increasingly welcoming individuals from outside traditional family lines and even the profession itself. Sweeney emphasizes that firms are “happy to recruit people from outside their family and the profession, offering training and support to guide them into their new role.” This move is driven by the expanding responsibilities of modern funeral directors.
the IAFD plays a crucial role in this transition, offering a dedicated training course for aspiring funeral directors.https://www.iafd.ie/training This ensures that the next generation is equipped with the skills and knowlege needed to navigate the complexities of the role.
The Expanding Role of the Funeral Director
The duties of a funeral director have evolved dramatically in recent years. no longer simply providing a coffin and hearse, they now manage every aspect of the funeral process. This includes:
* Care and Presentation of the Deceased: Respectful preparation and presentation are paramount.
* administrative Tasks: Handling legal documentation, death certificates, and other necessary paperwork.
* Media Management: Assisting with obituaries, memorial websites, and live streaming services.
* Family Liaison: Providing emotional support and guidance to grieving families.
* Logistics: Coordinating with celebrants, venues, and other service providers.
this broadened scope requires a diverse skillset, leading to the influx of professionals from various backgrounds.
A Wealth of Experience from Diverse Backgrounds
The modern Irish funeral service benefits from the perspectives and skills of individuals transitioning from careers such as:
* Caring Professions: nurses, social workers, and healthcare professionals bring valuable experience in providing compassionate care and support.
* Customer Service: Individuals with strong communication and interpersonal skills excel at liaising with families during a difficult time.
* Administration & Logistics: Those with organizational skills are well-suited to manage the complex logistical aspects of funeral arrangements.
These new entrants bring “fresh perspectives and a wealth of skills and knowledge” to the industry, enhancing the quality of service provided to families.
Key Takeaways:
* The Irish funeral industry is moving away from solely family-run businesses to incorporate a wider range of professionals.
* The role of a funeral director has expanded significantly, requiring a broader skillset.
* The IAFD provides crucial training and support for those entering the profession.
* The industry is benefiting from the experience and perspectives of individuals from diverse backgrounds.
The evolution of the funeral industry in Ireland reflects a broader societal shift. While honoring tradition remains significant, embracing change and welcoming new talent is essential to meet the evolving needs of the community and provide compassionate, thorough support to families during times of loss. The future of the industry will likely see continued professionalization and a greater emphasis on personalized services, ensuring that each funeral is a meaningful and respectful tribute to the life lived.