RHEA events

16/04/2026

Talking About Goodbye
Funeral options and finding what is right for you.
Friday 24 April
3 - 5pm
Firkin Crane Shandon

Free, but ticketed, link in bio. All are welcome.

With and Cork Lifelong Learning Festival

30/03/2026

Things we won’t do as funeral planners…

27/03/2026

The launch of Cork Lifelong Learning Festival was full of inspiring educational ideas and we are delighted to be among them! On 24 April Louise will present a joint session called Talking About Goodbye with fellow funeral celebrant John Dunlea as part of the programme of events from .

This session will be an honest, helpful talk about funeral planning - the practical, the personal and the less obvious. It’s a gentle and engaging way to open up the conversation and think ahead.

Bookings are now open on Eventbrite (link in bio).
Look out for the brochure over the coming days.

At the end of the session participants will:
Learn about the options available to them around faith-based, non-religious, blended-spirituality and civil funerals and how to identify what is meaningful for them.

Gain an understanding of the value of funeral planning in honouring their life, while comforting those in mourning.

Understand the value of planning ahead and how it offers benefits from financial and legal to practical, psychological and emotional.

Participants are invited to contribute and ask questions or simply come and learn about how you can think ahead about a meaningful goodbye.

Huge congratulations to and everyone on a lovely event and superb programme of events.

07/02/2026

Courageous conversations… the term used to describe difficult things we feel we should address but don’t really want to. These conversations require courage in it’s true sense - strength of heart - that powerful blend of bravery and love.

I am very grateful to have been invited to participate in Network Ireland Cork event on Wednesday last which addressed how to begin to have courageous conversations in our own lives around finance, funerals and furnishings!

Like ourselves, Samantha Halpin and Terri O’Callaghan combine their skillset of operational expertise with compassion and empathy to support and empower people in their lives. Whether making financial preparations, letting go of material goods or thinking about a funeral or celebration of life, we liberate ourselves when we confront painful or stressful scenarios so we can be rewarded with peace of mind, a tranquil environment or cherishing our loved ones and honouring their lives.

The exceptionally talented Irene Feighan carried these heavy topics with a light touch to help get to the heart of the matter - minding yourself is vital in the role of offering care to others and this can be a liberating and nurturing experience.

A special acknowledgment for President Diane Higgins MIDI who is walking the walk and, by presenting this event, is empowering women across the network to exercise courage in their lives and relationships.❤️

In our work Dara and I are in the privileged position of supporting people in many ways at extremely difficult times. We see how courage enables people to have meaningful conversations and experiences that can help them come to terms.

We need not be gripped by the fear of the worst happening but instead be confident that we can manage and cope well, if and when it does.

Courage.




halpin

17/12/2025

“Are you all set for Christmas?” We hear it and say a dozen times a day now….

That week before Christmas, wrapping up at work, the school term is coming to a close, the last of the shopping is being done, the coffees, the work parties, friends and neighbours, promises to catch up over Christmas, plans being made, lists being made, thinking about “the last few bits” and on and on….

Breathe…. Breathe again

You might be holding it all together, trying to keep things “normal” or trying to create happy and fun memories while old ones might be touching a raw nerve.

This is your reminder that you deserve to stop and have a moment to yourself or with someone to say out loud or quietly that this is just not the same or it’s not easy or that it’s really difficult. Have a cry, have a scream, have a smile, have a hug.

This is your reminder that Christmas is one of those really hard times of year when you are missing someone.

This is your reminder to be kind to yourself. Look after your grieving self, it’s doing its best in difficult circumstances.

Wishing you peace and love in the hope that this season passes gently on your heart.

10/12/2025

09/12/2025

Join us on Tuesday, 16th December for a conversation about why a funeral is “More than just a funeral”.

We are looking forward to facilitating this session as part of Compassionate Cork at Christmas, a series from

Link in bio

09/12/2025

Join us on Tuesday 16th December in Douglas Library when we host a conversation about why a funeral is “More than just a funeral”.

Most of us don’t know what we need to know about funerals until it’s too late and that is the worst time to find out. Hopefully through conversations and gatherings such as the Compassionate Cork at Christmas series we can explore a more inclusive and gentle approach and how to make funerals more meaningful.

Thank you for inviting us to participate.

04/12/2025

We’ve put together a Gift Guide of beautiful pieces and considerate no-cost ways you can support yourself or someone in your life who is carrying grief with them through this Christmas season.

We are delighted that almost all business featured are Cork-based or Cork created and produced and the guide shares how much creativity and imagination can be found in our region.

1: Forget-me-not ring from Ruby Robin Boutique.


2: A nature walk or sea swim and coffee.

3: Custom care package from Be Cosy.

4: The gift of time, space and practical help.

5: The gift of time, space and practical help. .pups

6: Make a play list.

7: Memorial jewellery from West Cork Casting.

8: Make a new tradition.

9: Candles by Wizard & Grace.

10: Forager Heal & Feel Collection from Ode to Earth. .ie

11: Bereavement support from the Irish Hospice Foundation.

29/09/2025

5 popular funeral songs