CORONAVIRUS CRISIS: STAY HOME IS STILL OUR MESSAGE FOR NOW

Funeral crowd concern

LARGE crowds gathered outside a church yesterday to pay tribute to two Traveller brothers who tragically passed away in the US recently.

More than 150 people mingled outside Farranree Church on the northside of Cork city while the funeral mass of two members of the Cash family took place inside.

Locals expressed concern as large groups of mourners mixed outside the church in the heart of Farranree with little or no regard for social distancing.

Mourners yesterday were seen shaking hands, embracing and standing in groups as the funeral cortege made its way to the church.

It comprised of two horse-drawn white carriages that were followed by members of the men’s families both in cars and on foot.

People appeared to have travelled some distances to attend the funeral of the two young men, who had died in America and had been brought home to be laid to rest.

Cars and camper vans with registrations from different counties around Ireland and from the UK were seen parked outside the church.

A witness said one garda was directing traffic while two others stood about 100m away from the church observing the scene but not interfering.

Under the Republic’s restrictions, funeral masses are currently supposed to be limited to immediate family members only. The number of people attending the mass and the burial should not exceed 10 according to guidelines.

Councillor Ken O’flynn said: “I think the clergy, the gardai, the funeral directors and Cork City Council have serious questions to answer.”

I think the clergy, the gardai, funeral directors and council have questions to answer

KEN O’FLYNN YESTERDAY