Local documentary explores community spirit through unusual funeral story
The Undertaking is a film about the Healy family's undertaking business and how the community of Carlow came together for an unknown woman who passed away without a family
A NEW documentary about an extraordinary funeral will have its premiere at IMC Carlow this Culture Night, telling the remarkable true story of how over 300 strangers came together for someone they had never met.
***The Undertaking*** directed by Carlow filmmaker Georgina Brennan Stynes, focuses on the story of Mary Regan, a woman with no known family whose funeral became an unexpected gathering after local undertaker Rory Healy made a quiet appeal for people to attend.
The documentary centres on Rory, whose family has been serving as undertakers in Carlow for over 100 years across three generations. Through his story, the film examines the traditions of the undertaking profession in rural Ireland and explores how one man's simple request led to an unprecedented community response.
Georgina, who attended Mary Regan’s funeral in December 2024, was struck by what unfolded.
“It was truly a very special moment,” she says. “It was one of those rare stories that says something beautiful about who we are as a community. This wasn’t just about Mary – it was about all of us, and how we still know how to show up for each other.” The idea for the documentary came from both Georgina and producer Richard Doyle of Creative Productions.
“The documentary explores much more than just a funeral,” Georgina explains. “It’s about what happens when we choose to show up for each other – even for someone we didn’t know. Rory Healy didn’t ask for much – just for people to come, and they did. And that moment revealed something interesting about human nature and community.” Shot entirely in and around Carlow, the film combines local visuals with interviews to show how an act of collective kindness emerged from an everyday situation. The documentary examines both the story of Mary Regan and the broader questions about how communities respond to calls for compassion.
“The Undertaking” will premiere at IMC Carlow on Friday 19 September at 7pm as part of Culture Night. Tickets are free, but places are limited, and those interested can access them at Eventbrite.ie
