Christmas Day dove release in memory of dearly departed

A BEVY of doves will take to the skies on Christmas Day in memory of loved ones who have passed away in 2020 and in previous years.

The release of the snow white doves will take place at 3 p.m. in Ballyhaunis cemetery on Friday.

It is being organised by Joe Freeley, aka Joe Doves, from Ballyhaunis, who specialises in dove releases for weddings, anniversaries, birthday parties, corporate events, funerals or any other any event.

Following a serious fall and suffering four fractures to his forehead in June 2017, Joe, from ‘Rosmarine', Hazelhill, Ballyhaunis, had to quit the taxi business.

Not one to sit back, he decided to get into the dove release service.

“I purchased six four-weeks-old young doves. It took two months to get the birds adjusted to their new home.

“Then I trained them to return to their home by releasing them, firstly within sight of their home, then gradually increase the distance in every direction,” he explained.

“The birds are now trained to return home, without stress, harm or cruelty, for up to 100 miles.

“They are available for any venue countrywide but the Covid-19 lockdown has greatly curtailed my activity.

“I have had about 40 cancellations for weddings so far. But I am doing a fair few funerals with them now.

“It has proved a fantastic experience as nature can teach us all so much.”

Joe has over 39 doves, 25 of which will be released on Christmas Day.

The planned Christmas Day release is creating great interest.

He said: “I feel it is a fitting way of remembering those who have passed away with the coronavirus in the past nine months as well as other relatives and friends who have left us.”