Mayo community lauded for making funeral special during unprecedented times

A REASSURING message has been sent out to families who experience a bereavement and funeral during these unprecedented times of Covid-19.

Triona McHale's father, Tom, of Boradruma, Castlebar, died last Wednesday and was buried at the Old Cemetery in Castlebar on Saturday after Requiem Mass for the repose of his soul in the local Church of the Holy Rosary.

Triona contacted The Connaught Telegraph and outlined: "We followed all HSE regulations in terms of house being private, no funeral home and no one at the Funeral Mass apart from family.

"It was indeed very isolating, but I want to share something magical that I feel our people should know and perhaps implement.

'As we left our family home with Dad to go to the church, we were surrounded on both sides of the road by a sea of neighbours who came out from their homes, stood on the road side, some in hi-vis jackets, many carrying a lighted candle.

"They kept their distance from each other but they carried us and our father on the heartbreaking road to the church.

"It was powerful, it was supportive, it was an honour to my Dad.

"It was also a 'new' way to attend a funeral.

"In the depth of our grief, we were lifted and comforted by the people in our community who lined the road all the way into town.

"We give massive thanks to each and everyone of these amazing people.

"We hope in sharing this that people will be encouraged to do likewise for other bereaved families at this time."