We are in close proximity to the Rocky Island Crematorium in Cork Harbour. Characterised by the sights and sounds of harbour and open sea the Island Crematorium is managed by a team of professionals who have thirty years’ experience in helping families say goodbye to their loved ones. Fitz-Geralds Funeral Directors can make all the arrangements with The Island Crematorium for religious or non-religious services, simple committal, or full service.
Cremation is only a relatively recent practice in the Republic of Ireland, although it has been in use in Northern Ireland for some time. There is still a lack of awareness and understanding of what cremation involves and how the process works in context of the traditional set of funeral rites. Fitz-Gerald's are informed and experienced in the practice & procedures of cremation and are able to respond to any questions asked by the bereaved and to advise on and facilitate funeral arrangement involving cremation. On this page we answer some of the most common question but don't hesitate to contact us about these or other questions.
Are there any religions that do not approve of cremation?
Orthodox Jews, the Greek Orthodox Church and Muslims do not allow cremation. It is accepted by all Christian denominations, Sikhs, Hindus, Parsees and Buddhists.
Does it cost more to be cremated than buried?
No, usually burial is more expensive. This is because of the shortage of burial space in Ireland. Ask your funeral director for local charges.
Are there any special procedures before cremation?
You will need two medical certificates from two separate doctors, which the doctors will charge for. If the person who has died had a pacemaker, this will have to be removed. Your funeral director will arrange this for you and help you complete the application form for the cremation to take place
Should jewellery be removed before cremation?
Certain materials (such as glass, some metals and PVC) may not be cremated with the deceased. If you would like any items to remain on, your funeral director will advise you. Once the coffin is at the crematorium it cannot be opened.
Can I have any kind of service I want?
Yes. You can have a religious or a non-religious service or no service at all. The service must be carried out within the time allowed. If you prefer, you can hold a service in a separate place, like a church, followed by the commital at the crematorium. You can arrange for an outdoor service in the courtyard of the crematorium. You can also arrange for your clergy/ family member/friend to carry out the service, or the funeral director will help you find a suitable person.
What happens at the crematorium?
Mourners gather at the crematorium at an arranged time. When the coffin arrives, the family will follow it into the spiritual space, followed by everyone else, where they will be directed to their seats. The coffin will be placed on a raised platform called a catafalque and the service will commence Towards the end of the service, the coffin will be hidden from view. If you would prefer the coffin to remain on view until everyone has left the spiritual space, this can be arranged. At the end of the service, the funeral director will lead the close family out of the spiritual space, followed by the other mourners. You will have an opportunity to look at the floral tributes and the family will have time to thank people for attending. Floral tributes may be taken away and placed on a family grave.
How long after the service does the actual cremation take place?
Always the same day, and usually within a short period. A member of the family may wish to witness the coffin being placed into the cremator. To arrange this, please tell your funeral director when you are making the funeral arrangements.
What happens to the coffin?
The coffin is taken into the crematory where the nameplate is checked. An identity card is attached to the cremator where the coffin is placed and is kept with the cremated remains until they leave the crematorium. What happens during the cremation? The coffin is placed into the cremator. The heat is very intense and the process takes about 90 minutes. When the cremation is finished, the cremated remains are taken from the cremator, cooled and placed in a cremulator which reduces the remains to ashes. These are placed into an urn/casket or your own container.
How can I be sure that the remains will be kept separate?
Each cremator is only large enough to take one coffin. When a cremation has finished the cremated remains are placed into an individually identified container.
What happens to the ashes?
You can arrange through your funeral director or the crematorium for the ashes to be scattered, buried or have them returned to you. If you decide to have them scattered or buried, you may wish to have a small service. Your funeral director will arrange this for you. A selection of urn’s/caskets are available from the crematorium or from your funeral director. The crematorium or funeral director will hold the ashes for a short period. This allows you the opportunity to make the right decisions.
Where can the ashes be scattered or buried?
The ashes can be scattered, buried or placed in a family grave. You may decide to scatter the ashes elsewhere, if so seek advise from your funeral director. If you want to bury the ashes in a private garden, you should consider the long-term implications such as if you sell the house. Your funeral director will advise you if you want to scatter or bury them at sea.
Can I have a memorial at the crematorium?
There is a choice of memorials available including plaques and a book of remembrance that you can have an entry in. Your funeral director will be able to help you or contact the crematorium office. Many crematoriums also hold an open day and memorial service once a year.
Can the ashes be sent to another area?
The funeral director can arrange for the ashes to be sent to another part of Ireland. If you want them sent to another country, there may be a small fee to cover legal paperwork.
Is cremation governed by a code of practice?
Yes. There is a strict code for crematoriums, which is usually on display in public areas.
