Released on: April 15, 2008, 5:04 am

Press Release Author: Mark Dunphy/Dunphy Public Relations

Industry: Transportation & Logistics

Press Release Summary: London, 15th April 2008 - A UK-based funeral home said today
that it had received confirmation that Aer Lingus is to resume its repatriation
service between Shannon International Airport and London-Heathrow.

Press Release Body: Patrick Ryan & Daughter Funeral Directors of Ealing, West
London, said that it was now in a position to immediately recommence the
repatriation service after receiving the approval of Aer Lingus cargo handlers at
Shannon, Dublin and Heathrow.

Since the ending of direct services between both airports, families in the West have
had to travel to Dublin or Cork to receive repatriated remains.

"The introduction of this service means that funerals may now take place in Ireland
a day earlier than before. Remains will be flown to Dublin on the late Heathrow
flight before being transported on the final leg of the journey to Shannon Airport
on one of two early morning transatlantic flights", explained Mr Patrick Ryan.

He stated that the ending of the original service had added to the trauma of family
members who were forced to make alternative plans for bringing their loved ones home
through Shannon.

"There is no doubt that the loss of the repatriation service to the West of Ireland
did add to the distress of families at a very vulnerable time", added the native of
Cappamore, County Limerick.

He continued, "Traditionally many Irish born people living throughout Britain
express a wish to be buried in Ireland when they die. And up until the removal of
the direct service between Shannon and Heathrow it was fairly common practice to fly
remains over from Britain. Indeed, the bodies of Irish people who died elsewhere in
Europe were also repatriated through Shannon via Heathrow."

Reacting to the news, Mayor of Clare Councillor Patricia McCarthy said she was
delighted that the repatriation service between both airports had been reinstated.

She commented, "Following Aer Lingus's decision last August to axe its
Shannon-Heathrow service, I met with members of the Society of Allied and
Independent Funeral Directors in London. The members expressed deep concern about
the unnecessary stress that would be inflicted on family members wishing to
repatriate the bodies of loved ones. I am delighted that families from Kerry, Clare,
Limerick, Galway, Tipperary and beyond will no longer be were forced into travelling
to Cork and Dublin."

"Following this announcement we in the West of Ireland will continue to lobby for
the resumption of direct flights between Shannon and Heathrow in the not too distant
future", concluded Mayor McCarthy.

Patrick Ryan & Daughter Funeral Directors established the first Irish owned funeral
director business in London and the Home Counties in 1971.

-ENDS-

Note to Editor
Mr. Patrick Ryan is available for interview and further comment. To arrange please
contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy PR on 00353-868534900 or media@dunphypr.com


Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
www.dunphypr.com
00353-868534900 (mobile)
00353-656839692 (fax)

Web Site: http://www.dunphypr.com

Contact Details: Dunphy Public Relations, Connolly, Ennis, County Clare, Ireland
Tel: +353 (0) 86 853 4900 Email:media@dunphypr.com