It is my great pleasure to welcome you toIreland on the occasion of the 12th FIAT-IFTA InternationalConvention, June 21-24, 2012.
I speak on behalf of all Funeral Directors in Ireland when I sayhow truly honoured and humbled we are to be your hosts, both in Dublin andBelfast, in June.
We are a small country with a complex history and this is mirroredin the way the Irish approach the subject of death, and how Irish culturemanifests itself in the rituals and expectations people have, at the time of afuneral.
As your President for the last 2 years, it has been my greatprivilege to experience the many different forms funeral culture can takearound the world, and how best-practice varies in so many different ways – itis now our turn to show you what we do.
May I take this opportunity to thank our sponsors, who have sogenerously supported this event. This support has allowed us prepare a full,varied and fascinating programme which will educate and entertain youthroughout.
I also wish to thank the Board of the Irish Association of FuneralDirectors for their unwavering support and guidance since I took office in2010.
Finally, I thank you for your forthcoming presence in Ireland and I look forward to your company in June.
