RTÉ IS developing a website that will give countless families across Ireland a chance to pay a proper tribute to the loved ones they have lost during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The semi-state-owned broadcaster is working closely with funeral directors across the country to curate the new site which will give people a chance to pay their respects in the absence of a proper funeral.
Under the current government restrictions, no more than 10 members of close family can attend a funeral in Ireland with those in attendance expected to maintain a strict two-metre distance from one another at all times.
According to RTÉ, in addition to the virtual memorial presenters on RTÉ television and radio will recite the names of some of the loved ones who have lost their lives to the deadly virus.
It’s all part of a concerted effort from the broadcaster to respect the ritual of funerals, which represent a key cornerstone of life in Ireland.
Under the system being proposed, friends and family would be given the opportunity to submit a picture of their lost loved one along with their name, address and a caption that could be accessed online.
"To imagine this at best would be to take you to Liberty Island, where we look at the name of emigrants to the United States,” Tom McGuire, the Head of RTÉ Radio One, explained on Today with Sean O’Rourke.
"We will be able to click on the name of the deceased loved one open up their picture and caption, a little virtual shrine where you can light a candle in memory of the loved one. It will give society a chance to remember at a time when as a community we haven't been able to come together.”
As part of the plans, the Irish Association of Funeral Directors will give families the option to feature tributes and images of loved ones on the memorial site.
Contributions are welcome from Irish families abroad who may have lost someone to COVID-19.
See More: Coronavirus, Covid-19, RTE
