March 12, 2021
Carrick on Shannon funeral scenes caused upset and anger – Martin Kenny TD

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice Martin Kenny described the scenes at a funeral in Carrick on Shannon yesterday as very upsetting and has angered locals in the area.

Teachta Kenny said:

“I have been contacted by numerous people in the Carrick on Shannon area who are very annoyed and upset at what took place in Carrick on Shannon yesterday when hundreds of people from long distances away, including many from outside the jurisdiction, attended a funeral in the town.

“I believe there was a large gathering after the funeral in a marquee that was specifically erected for the event. Some of the images that were posted on social media have caused upset and anger.

“These are very difficult times that we are living in and it is especially difficult for those who have lost loved ones and have not been able to mourn and grieve in the usual way that Irish people do. There is obviously a family grieving here and I offer my condolences to them.

“However there are rules and guidelines set out by the government on how funerals should be run and we are all obliged to follow them.

“I have spoken to senior Gardai about this and they have informed me that they had liaised with the family, the church and the local authority prior to the funeral and that they had a Garda plan in place to manage the funeral on the day.

“I understand that there were numerous breaches of the guidelines in relation to non-wearing of face masks and social distancing and the Gardai issued over 70 on the spot fines and made a number of public order arrests.

“I have also been informed that Gardai are conducting an investigation into the organisation of the after funeral event.

“These rules and guidelines, while they are very difficult for everyone, the reality is they are for everyone and no one or group should consider themselves exempt.”

Follow us online

Latest Tweets

Proud to stand with the largest team of Sinn Féin TDs in over 100 years.

We are more determined than ever to deliver real change for workers, families, and communities across the island.

We’re back in Leinster House today with the largest team of Sinn Féin TDs in over 100 years.

A team of 39 TDs with the energy, determination, and commitment to deliver for working people. We want to thank the hundreds of thousands of people who voted for Sinn Féin and for real…

This is the biggest group of Sinn Féin TDs to enter Leinster House in over a century

We are here to work for you, we are in your corner and we will never ever give up on our mission to create an equal, a fair and a united Ireland

The work of winning a better future for all continues right now – @MaryLouMcDonald

"We are in the corner of ordinary people. We have your back, and we are not giving up."

Load More

Statements