Civil Funerals

Civil Funerals2025-09-08T19:45:19+00:00

Personal, Meaningful & Non-Religious

Civil Ceremonies That Honour a Unique Life

A civil ceremony is a service conducted around the wishes of the deceased and their family rather than a traditional religious funeral.

We are delighted that a member of our team, Geraldine Bane, is a qualified Funeral Celebrant, having completed her training with the IIOC (Irish Institute of Celebrants). It enables us to offer the bereaved an opportunity to work with Geraldine and create a funeral service for their loved one that reflects the essence and enduring spirit of the deceased. The ceremony can be conducted at one of Dignity Funeral Care’s funeral homes, at the crematorium, or at another suitable venue.

With the family’s help, we can help write a tribute to the deceased, telling his/her “life story” and relating experiences and qualities to capture the essence and enduring spirit of the deceased. When all this is in place, we will then conduct the ceremony at our funeral home, a crematorium or other suitable venue chosen by the family, which will be followed by burial or cremation.

After the ceremony, a copy of the tribute is given to the family to keep.

Dignity Funeral Care - Funeral Directors in Portumna & Loughrea, County Galway

Civil Funerals FAQ’s

What is the difference between a civil and a religious funeral?2025-09-08T10:51:49+00:00

A civil funeral does not follow the traditional religious format. However, a family may choose to include religious elements such as hymns or prayers. It focuses on the individual, their story, values and relationships, and is shaped around the family’s wishes.

Who conducts the civil funeral?2025-08-26T18:59:05+00:00

At Dignity Funeral Care, civil ceremonies are conducted by Geraldine Bane, a qualified Funeral Celebrant. She will meet with the family, listen to their stories, and help create a tribute that truly honours the life of their loved one.

Where can the ceremony be held?2025-08-26T19:00:10+00:00

Civil funerals can be held in a variety of venues, including our funeral homes in Portumna and Loughrea, at the crematorium, or at another meaningful location chosen by the family.

Can the family be involved in the ceremony?2025-08-26T19:00:46+00:00

Yes, absolutely. Family members are encouraged to contribute stories, readings, music or messages. You may also choose to speak or read yourself during the ceremony if you feel comfortable doing so.

Is a civil funeral suitable for someone with spiritual beliefs but not strong religious ties?2025-08-26T19:01:24+00:00

Yes. Civil ceremonies are highly flexible and can include spiritual or symbolic elements while remaining non-religious in tone. The focus is always on what feels right and appropriate for the individual and their family.

What happens after the ceremony?2025-08-26T19:01:56+00:00

After the civil funeral, the burial or cremation takes place as arranged. A printed copy of the tribute delivered during the service is given to the family as a keepsake.

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Dignity Funeral Care - Funeral Directors in Portumna & Loughrea, County Galway
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