Churches across South Leitrim have been instructed to stop hosting wakes following a new directive issued by the Bishop Paul Connell. Bishop Paul Connell said in recent months a practice has developed in some parishes around the use of churches for the Reposing of the Remains of those who have died. For parishes where it has occurred, Bishop Connell directed that the practice be discontinued from February 9, 2026. Bishop Connell said the direction comes as some parishes had asked for guidance on the matter. “The churches within the diocese are not to be used for the Reposing of Remains.

Source: The Herald February 24, 2026 13:35 UTC