Police watch on as more than 150 travellers attend funeral for two teen boys despite social distancing rules
MORE than 150 travellers were seen attending the funeral for two teenage boys this morning despite social distancing rules.
Police watched on as large crowds gathered outside a Cork church to mourn the loss of two brothers from the Cash family who died in America but were brought home to be laid to rest.
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The mourners were seen mingling outside Farranree Church on the north side of the city as the funeral mass took place inside.
Concerned locals watched on, claiming the group showed little or no regard for social distancing.
Many were seen shaking hands, embracing and standing in groups as the funeral cortege made its way to the church, the reported.
The publication said people appeared to have travelled great distances to attend the funeral as cars and camper vans seen parked outside the church displayed registrations from different counties around Ireland and from the UK.
The two young men reportedly died in America and had been brought back home to be laid to rest.
The cortege, which included two horse-drawn carriages and scores of vehicles, started at O'Connor's Funeral Home on Shandon Street before making its way to the church in the heart of Farranree for the 11am funeral mass.
The two men were then taken to St Catherine's Cemetery in Kilcully on the outskirts of the city for burial.
Officers of the An Garda Siochana were in the vicinity of the church, directing traffic and watching over proceedings.
Although funerals are still allowed to take place, masses are limited to immediate family members only, under current government restrictions.
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The number of people attending the mass and the burial should not exceed 10, according to guidelines from the Irish government.
This includes members of the person's household, close family members or close friend if the deceased has no household or family members.
When at funerals, mourners must observe the social distancing guidelines.
Anyone who attends is asked to keep 2m apart from anyone outside their household and avoid any physical interaction.
They should also follow the social distancing advice while travelling to and from the funeral.
But due to the high level of deaths, some councils have shortened funerals to just 20 minutes long.
Locals showed a similar fury last month when mourners for travelling community elder Alfred Loveridge, 82, ignored social-distancing rules as they paid their respects at his graveside.
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