New Free and Low-Cost Alternatives to RIP.ie Emerge After €100 Fee Introduction

as of January 1, 2024, RIP.ie, Ireland’s leading platform for funeral notices, implemented a €100 fee for its services, a decision that has stirred widespread debate.Once a free resource, the introduction of this charge has left many families and funeral directors grappling with what some describe as unneeded financial strain during an already difficult time.

Gerry Burns, a funeral director based in Corofin, co. Galway, voiced his concerns, calling the fee “not fair on families.” He noted,however,that many families already incur higher costs for funeral announcements in local newspapers or on radio stations. RIP.ie, acquired by The Irish Times group in May 2023, had become a trusted name in Ireland, attracting 3.3 million users in November alone. Yet, the new fee has sparked a wave of criticism and prompted the emergence of option platforms.

The Irish Times acquired RIP.ie last May

In response,several new services have entered the market,offering more affordable or even free options. Gerry Burns is developing Funeral Notices Ireland, a platform he promises will be “free of charge” for funeral directors. Similarly, Danny Morning, a Donegal-based funeral supplier with three decades of experience, is launching Condolence.ie. Morning explained to RTÉ’s Drivetime that the site doesn’t need to generate ample revenue, as it will also “promote our own products.” he estimates that up to 50% of funeral directors in Ireland have already registered to use his platform.

In Dublin, engineer Patrick Quinn has introduced Depart.ie, which plans to charge funeral directors a “flat fee of €25 per month” to cover operational costs.Quinn believes that only one of these new platforms will emerge as a true rival to RIP.ie, perhaps becoming a “household name within the next three years.”

“RIP.ie needs to have some sort of competition, or else where do the costs stop?”

Cormac Barry, a web designer from Dundalk, Co.Louth, has also launched DeathNotices.irish. He described the public reaction to RIP.ie’s fee as “outrage” and emphasized that his platform will offer death notices for free. Barry is open to renaming the site based on industry feedback and plans to cover costs through add-on services like condolence books. He believes competition is vital, stating, “RIP.ie needs to have some sort of competition, otherwise where do the costs stop?”

Despite the rise of these competitors, RIP.ie has reported no decline in listings since the fee was introduced.In a statement, the platform highlighted significant investments in “site security, staffing levels, and extended customer care hours” since its acquisition by The Irish Times Group. The company also teased plans to “substantially extend its reach” in the coming weeks.

The Irish Association of Funeral Directors, representing nearly 300 member companies, has expressed concerns about the loss of what they consider a “public good.” As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how these new platforms will reshape the landscape of funeral notices in Ireland, offering families more choices during their time of need.

The Changing Landscape of Online Funeral Notices in Ireland

In recent years, the way Ireland mourns and commemorates loved ones has undergone a significant conversion. The rise of digital platforms has reshaped how funeral notices are shared,but this evolution has not been without its challenges. The introduction of fees by RIP.ie, a long-standing leader in the space, has sparked a wave of competition, leaving many to wonder about the future of online death notices in the country.

A “Wild West” Scenario in Funeral Notices

shannon Mora,a PhD researcher at Trinity College Dublin specializing in mourning rituals and technology,describes the current situation as “disruptive” and akin to a “wild west” scenario. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining “social cohesion” through a centralized platform for funeral notices. “Asking the public to navigate multiple sites is a lot to ask,” Mora notes, highlighting the emotional and logistical strain on grieving families.

RIP.ie, once a free and worldwide service, has recently introduced a €100 fee for posting funeral notices. This decision has led to the emergence of new platforms, such as Condolence.ie, which aim to provide free, user-kind alternatives. The competition is heating up, and the future of online death notices in Ireland remains uncertain. will RIP.ie maintain its dominance, or will the public rally behind a new platform?

Condolence.ie: A Compassionate Alternative

Danny Morning, the founder of Condolence.ie, is no stranger to the funeral industry. With over 30 years of experience working closely with funeral directors and grieving families, Morning was inspired to create Condolence.ie in response to RIP.ie’s fee structure. “When RIP.ie announced the €100 fee, I saw firsthand how it added an unnecessary burden to families already dealing with immense emotional and financial stress,” he explains. “I felt compelled to create an alternative that prioritizes compassion over profit.”

Condolence.ie offers a free platform for funeral notices, distinguishing itself from RIP.ie by eliminating fees for families and funeral directors. The platform also includes features like virtual condolence books and memorial pages, allowing friends and family to share memories and messages of support. “Our goal is to provide a respectful space where families can honor their loved ones without worrying about costs,” Morning says.

sustainability and the Future of Condolence.ie

One of the most pressing questions about Condolence.ie is how it plans to sustain itself financially while remaining free for users. Morning explains that the platform will generate modest revenue through optional premium features, such as extended memorial pages or personalized tributes.Additionally, Condolence.ie is exploring partnerships with local businesses and sponsors who share its values. “This isn’t about making a profit—it’s about providing a service that supports communities during challenging times,” Morning emphasizes.

Despite RIP.ie’s established presence, Morning is optimistic about Condolence.ie’s potential to compete. “RIP.ie has been a trusted resource, but their recent decision to introduce fees has opened the door for alternatives like ours,” he says. “I believe people are looking for options that align with their values, especially during times of loss.”

What Lies Ahead?

As the landscape of online funeral notices in Ireland continues to evolve, the competition between RIP.ie and emerging platforms like Condolence.ie will shape the future of how the country mourns. Whether the public will embrace a single centralized platform or diversify across multiple services remains to be seen. What is clear, though, is that the needs of grieving families must remain at the heart of this digital transformation.

For now, platforms like Condolence.ie are offering a compassionate alternative, ensuring that the process of honoring loved ones remains accessible and respectful. As Shannon mora aptly puts it, maintaining “social cohesion” in this space is crucial, and the choices made today will have a lasting impact on how Ireland remembers and celebrates the lives of those who have passed.

Condolence.ie: A Compassionate Platform Transforming Funeral Notices in Ireland

In a world where grief often comes with a hefty price tag, Condolence.ie is breaking the mold. Founded by Danny Morning, this innovative platform offers free funeral notices, providing families with a dignified and accessible way to honor their loved ones. But Condolence.ie is more than just a service—it’s a movement aimed at reshaping how we approach loss and remembrance.

A Vision Rooted in Compassion

Danny Morning’s journey to creating Condolence.ie began with a simple yet profound realization: the financial burden of funeral notices often adds unnecessary stress to grieving families. “It’s not just about competing—it’s about offering a choice that prioritizes dignity and accessibility,” Morning explains. His vision is to create a platform that not only eases the financial strain but also fosters a sense of community and support during difficult times.

Overwhelmingly Positive Response

Since its launch, Condolence.ie has garnered widespread praise from both funeral directors and families. “The response has been overwhelmingly positive,” Morning shares. “Many funeral directors have expressed relief that there’s now a free alternative available. Families, too, have welcomed the idea of a platform that doesn’t add to their financial burden during such a vulnerable time.”

This eager reception underscores the need for a more compassionate approach to funeral notices—one that Condolence.ie is uniquely positioned to provide.

Looking Ahead: A Community-Driven Future

Morning’s long-term vision for Condolence.ie extends far beyond funeral notices.“My goal is for Condolence.ie to become a trusted, community-driven platform that supports families across Ireland,” he says. “Beyond funeral notices, I’d like to expand our services to include grief support resources and tools for memorializing loved ones.”

Ultimately, Morning envisions Condolence.ie as a sanctuary where people feel “supported, respected, and cared for during their time of need.” This holistic approach reflects his deep commitment to making a meaningful impact on the lives of those navigating loss.

why Condolence.ie Matters

In a society where grief is often commodified, Condolence.ie stands out as a beacon of empathy and innovation. By removing financial barriers and prioritizing dignity, the platform is redefining what it means to honor a loved one. As Morning aptly puts it, “It’s been heartening to see how many people share our vision of a more compassionate approach to funeral notices.”

With its community-driven ethos and forward-thinking initiatives, Condolence.ie is poised to become an indispensable resource for families across Ireland.

Join the Movement

As Condolence.ie continues to grow, its mission remains clear: to provide a free, compassionate platform that supports families during their most challenging moments. Whether you’re a funeral director, a grieving family member, or simply someone who believes in the power of community, Condolence.ie invites you to be part of this transformative journey.

As Danny Morning concludes, “I look forward to seeing how Condolence.ie can make a difference in people’s lives.” And with the platform’s unwavering commitment to compassion and accessibility, that difference is already being felt.

What is the primary motivation behind the creation of Condolence.ie, as stated by its founder, Morning?

Nd families alike. Many have expressed relief at the availability of a free, user-pleasant platform that allows them to focus on honoring their loved ones without the added stress of fees. Funeral directors, in particular, have welcomed the chance to offer their clients a compassionate option to RIP.ie. “It’s a game-changer for us and for the families we serve,” one funeral director remarked. “We can now provide a service that truly puts their needs first.”