Obits in Ireland
I’ve been checking out Irish obituaries, and initially they looked pretty similar to American ones. In fact, it seems that Americans and Irish-Americans are common subjects for prominent obituaries.
The difference I noticed, though, came in the language of death notices. I looked at the death notices in the Irish Times (the major paper in Dublin) and the New York Times to see how the language in Irish death notices is different than the language in American death notices.
For example:
EMILY MINOR
MINOR–Emily Chadbourne, 94, died October 30 in Rye, NY. Survived by her son John and daughters Kathleen, Jane and Caroline, 14 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren. Service at Christ’s Church Rye, NY, December 3, 11am.
This is a death notice from the New York Times. And while the language in the paid death notices varies some, mostly the notices are pretty straightforward, maybe saying that the deceased died “peacefully” or that the person was loved, but the
Irish death noticed seemed much different to me.
This is a typical death notice from the Irish Times:
JOHNSTON (Nephin Road, Dublin 7) – November 11, 2009, (peacefully), at St. Francis Hospice, Raheny, Ellen, much loved sister of the late Sheila, Patrick and Desmond; deeply regretted by her loving nephew Desmond, relatives and friends. Rest in peace. Removal from St. Francis Hospice to the Church of Our Lady Help of Christians, Navan Road this (Friday) evening arriving at 5 o’clock Funeral tomorrow (Saturday) after 10 o’clock Mass to Glasnevin Crematorium. Donations in lieu of flowers to St. Francis Hospice, Raheny.
The differences that I noticed were, in general, Irish death notices are longer. They also use language that seems more emotional, almost effusive. “sadly missed,” “treasured” and something about the cause- “peacefully” or “unexpectedly.”
I would like to find out if it’s cheaper to post death notices in Ireland, and that’s why they are generally longer, or if they are important enough for people to pay for many lines.
Mostly, from the little browsing I’ve done, Irish and American obituaries and death notices are pretty similar. Irish obits seems similar also in that they don’t usually show “worts and all.” Maybe one of you has first-hand knowledge you can share with me.