Mayo undertaker’s book ‘opens conversations’ about dying

One of Ireland’s best known funeral directors, Ballina based David McGowan has written an already acclaimed book which, in his own words, “seeks to demystify the process of dying”.

McGowan’s book is entitled 'A Life Among the Dead'.

The author has a lifetime of experience in the death care profession

He has been an education provider to the funeral industry since 1995 when he established the Irish College of Funeral Directing and Embalming.

He has trained funeral directors and embalmers from Ireland and abroad.

He regularly appears on television and radio in Ireland, and in 2019 he was the subject of the RTS Award-winning documentary, The Funeral Director, currently screening on Netflix.

In 'A Life Among the Dead', David McGowan guides readers through the business, the science and the unexplained elements of death.

He says: “The only certainty when we come into this life is that we are going to leave it, and yet it's something most people are reluctant to discuss or allow themselves to think about.

“My mission is to open up conversations and encourage people to have an understanding of their loved ones wishes as well as their own”.

Recently McGowan Undertakers announced plans for a crematorium at Collooney, Co. Sligo, the first such facility in Connacht.

Sligo County Council have granted planning permission for the project.