Wow, my best friend of over 45 years came to me last night to ask me to plan his wake. He has been fighting cancer for about a year. We all thought he was clean a few months ago. Last Friday's CAT scan showed it has returned, attacking his liver, kidneys and lungs. His Doctor told him yesterday all they can do is try to make him as comfortable as possible for as long as possible. Maybe 2-3 months.
So, he wants a traditional Irish Wake. Any advice or thoughts on how to do an Irish wake.
I've never been asked to plan a wake by the guy who's wake it will be.
Wow

Sorry you are losing your friend.


I know you'll need plenty of beer that's for sure!

And one of my favorite Irish Songs, "Danny Boy"

Wow. Thats a tough one. I am sorry about your friend.

AW Geesh, I hadn't even thought of that song. It's wonderful. Except the thought of it just brought a tear to my eye. He will love it.
Thanks Carm

Yikes!!! Well, at least he can get with you NOW to make plans. Wakes are supposed to be fun and lots of drinking and sharing memories. I wonder if there's a "Hints from Heloise" kind of website for wake arrangement tips!!

Your welcome sweetie

Traditional Irish Wake? Well, first thing you need to do, is get a couple of kegs of beer. Second, I think you'll need a priest to say a prayer.

I think the best example of an Irish wake is in the movie "Family Business" with Sean Connery, Dustin Hoffman and Matt Broderick. There are actually two of them in the movie, a lot of singing and drinking.

Irish wakes tend to have a lot of laughter if I remember right, so don't be offended, that's the way they are supposed to be. You'll need to have at least a couple of outrageous stories about your friend. Possibly a microphone and amp so you can have people talk over the crowd.

While traditional Irish music is called for, not all have to be of a "sad" or "somber" style. It's okay to have some upbeat music and dancing there. If you know someone that plays the pipes, you might want to ask them over.

Near as I can tell, that is some of what I believe a traditional Irish Wake to be like. Your buddy might have a little different view, but it'll give you something to mull over and maybe talk with him about.

An Irish wake is traditionally a party celebrating the life of the person who has died. Lots of drinking, food, sharing stories, music, photos, videos etc. It can really be anything your friend wants, so long as it reflects him and his life and how he wants to be remembered.

You need to turn off all clocks and cover all mirrors.

Ted, I found this site.

http://giftofireland.com/Irishwakes.htm

Hope it helps.

Thank you all.
Now I remember about the clocks and mirrors. You guys inspired me to have a Bagpiper and I will go to iTunes and download some traditional Irish music.
Thank you all

Hi Ted [May the road rise up to meet you] both!
And that saying the rest ecapes me now But i thought i would give it to you to must read it. If you will!. Love Koolaidwoman God Be With You!