Mourners made a holy show of themselves this weekend as Gardai were forced to shut down a party which took place after a funeral in south Dublin.
Under Level 5 restrictions, priority is given to families in both the church and graveyard with attendance limited to just ten people.
But things got way out of hand in Crumlin on Saturday as several rule-breaking locals swarmed St. Agnes' church to pay their respects.
The priest officiating the service refused to say mass for the deceased and instead Gardai were deployed and had to get rid of the crowd.
Not bothered by the embarrassment of being busted at the church by Gardai, the mourners then said their own prayers at the coffin before throwing a party shortly after at a property in nearby Sundrive Park.
Officers once again came face-to-face with those from the funeral farce and pulled the plug on the party asking them to leave.
Government has warned under current Covid restrictions that "no organised indoor gatherings should take place".
A Garda spokesman told Dublin Live: "We are aware of a funeral that took place in Crumlin on 13th February. Gardaí attended the scene and engaged with those present.
"Gardaí also attended a property in Sundrive Park on the night of 13th February, following reports of a party at the residence.
"Gardaí attended and discovered a number of people present in breach of current Covid-19 regulations. Gardaí engaged with those present and they eventually dispersed."
He continued: "The Health Act 1947 (Section 31A-Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (No.10) Regulations 2020, as amended, are currently in force. Regulation 8(2) provides certain restrictions on funerals. Regulation 8(2) is not a penal regulation. Regulation 4 provides a restriction on travel without a ‘reasonable excuse’ attending a funeral is listed as a ‘reasonable excuse’.
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"Where Gardaí identify potential breaches of the public health regulations a file is prepared for the DPP in each case or a Fixed Payment Notice is issued where appropriate.
"In supporting the COVID-19 public health guidelines and regulations, An Garda Síochána has and will continue to adopt, a graduated policing response based on its tradition of policing by consent. This has seen Gardaí engage, educate, encourage and, as a last resort, enforce.
"Personal social responsibility, wearing of face coverings in open spaces and social distancing are public health guidelines and are not penal regulations.
"The COVID-19 Pandemic remains a public health crisis and An Garda Síochána continues to appeal to all citizens to demonstrate personal and social responsibility to comply with Public Health Guidelines and Regulations, in particular essential journeys, in order to continue to save lives."
