Entitlement to military honours funerals.

[terrier]

I've just read a thread on Boards.ie (I know, I know! ) discussing Lt. General Earlys funeral and full military honours funerals in general. One poster said that her/his father had died recently and despite having 40 years service up to the rank of commandant had not been granted a military funeral because .........." there's supposed to be a new rule about it ...."
Is there ? Is there a " cost cutting " thing here ? Does anyone know the regulations ?

[Tango_Charlie]

I've just read a thread on Boards.ie (I know, I know! ) discussing Lt. General Earlys funeral and full military honours funerals in general. One poster said that her/his father had died recently and despite having 40 years service up to the rank of commandant had not been granted a military funeral because .........." there's supposed to be a new rule about it ...."
Is there ? Is there a " cost cutting " thing here ? Does anyone know the regulations ?

I think Dermot Earley got the full whack because as a former chief of staff he was automatically appointed to the defence council. Could be wrong on that though. Was said to me as well recently that if he had died in service his escort would have been 6 full battallions! Is this true anyone?

[RoyalGreenJacket]

that's bad - he should be entitled to a full military funeral with firing party after such service.

[DeV]

One poster said that her/his father had died recently and despite having 40 years service up to the rank of commandant had not been granted a military funeral because .........." there's supposed to be a new rule about it ...."

To the best of my knowledge there is no "new rule" (in the last 3+ years or so).

There is no distinction between PDF and RDF or serving and former members in the regulations.

The next of kin has to request it.

[GoneToTheCanner]

In my experience, some families don't want it because they see it as too fussy.I was at one military funeral where the volley over the grave caused the widow to shake visibly and break down, causing her family more distress. Others loved the whole military aspect but felt that it dominated other aspects of the deceased's life, such as a sporting background.
each to his own.
regards
GttC

[terrier]

So serving rather than served is the main criteria, right ?

[DeV]

As I said there is no distinction between serving & former in the regulations.

http://www.rdfra.ie/pdf/newsletters/RDFRA_newsletter_Spring_05.pdf

See bottom of page 1

[Connaught Stranger]

I was at Private Joe Kerrigan's ( + R.I.P. + )funeral in Westport Co.Mayo

a number of years ago,

his family requested no shots to be fired in case it scared his young daughters

so the firing party presented Arms instead, as the Last Post was sounded,

it was still a dignified ceremony.

Connaught Stranger

[DeV]

I did hear something about former members having the same rights since that was agreed?

[Bravo20]

No shockingly enough no former members of the DF (permanent or reserve) are entitled to funeral honours. Any honours given are at the descretion of the military.

[DeV]

I stand corrected!

[golden rivet]

as a matter of courtesy the naval service will provide pall bearers to a member who completed a full term 21/31 service...nice for the family too if they want it ..

[DeV]

Was said to me as well recently that if he had died in service his escort would have been 6 full battallions! Is this true anyone?

Found a bit of paper last night, 2 battalions (400 all ranks) and a firing party (of around 25 officers).