A LIMERICK REMOVAL was delayed by over four hours after Aer Lingus did not put the remains of the deceased on a flight from Heathrow due to “operational reasons”.

Family members of the late Mary O’Brien of Edgeware, London and formerly of Knocknacorriga, Cappamore, Limerick, arrived at Shannon Airport on 8 July to collect her remains at midday.

However, the body didn’t arrive on time and it was subsequently put on the following flight.

The removal was due to take place at St Michael’s church, Cappamore, at 1pm, but the family had to change the time of the removal to 5.30pm.

Speaking to Limerick Leader, one of Mary’s brothers, Tom O’Brien, said:

“There were a lot of people in Cappamore church waiting. It is not good enough, it is not acceptable.

They admitted the plane was overcrowded and there was no room. A parcel could have waited, this was a human.

In a statement to the TheJournal.ie, a spokesperson for Aer Lingus said:

“Aer Lingus was unfortunately not able to carry Mary O’Brien’s remains as booked on EI381 from London to Shannon on 8 July due to operational reasons.

“Ms O’Brien’s remains were repatriated on the following flight that day, EI385.

The funeral director’s firm which was managing the repatriation of Ms O’Brien’s remains was informed of the delay on 8 July.

Aer Lingus regrets any distress caused to the O’Brien family.

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