Tobacco at Irish Funerals: the final nail in the coffin

Abstract

Tobacco control in Ireland remains an issue of high priority for the Irish Government. The Irish State is committed to the denormalisation of tobacco in Irish Society. Tobacco and alcohol have both featured strongly at Irish funerals and wakes. Traditionally these were provided by the grieving family for guests. Tobacco and alcohol have often been used as offeratory gifts for the departed. However, recently a Catholic priest spoke out against this practice, in a video that went viral. This seems likely to help reduce tobacco consumption at Irish funerals into the future.