Hi, I'm Declan

Image of Declan Walsh

"As a Humanist Celebrant with a background in psychology, I've had the privilege of guiding countless families through some of their most challenging moments. My approach is rooted in empathy, understanding, and a deep respect for individual beliefs."

"I'm committed to creating a heartfelt tribute that truly honours the life of your loved one.”

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There is no easy funeral but we can work together to make a service that you can look back on with pride and peace.

I believe in putting the person who has died at the centre of a dignified and respectful service that can form a important part of the grieving process. I want to work with you to craft an authentic and meaningful service that honours the memory of those who have gone.

My experience in crafting personalised services allows me to cater to the unique needs of each family, whether it’s an intimate family committal or a larger service at a funeral home. I always aim to create a beautiful and dignified farewell that truly reflects the spirit of the individual.

My approach is inclusive and empathetic, ensuring that ceremonies are respectful and allow space for any traditions that hold significance for your family.

My ultimate goal is to provide solace and support; facilitating a genuine and moving goodbye for those who are grieving.

I take great pride in offering a warm, empathetic experience; one that you can look back on with satisfaction, knowing that your loved one was honoured in a way that truly reflected their life and legacy.

I have never been to a Humanist funeral ceremony before but Declan did an amazing job capturing my Dad's memory. The family and I really appreciated the thought and care that went into the Ceremony and would definitely recommend his services.

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A thoroughly genuine honest well intentioned celebrant whom clearly had worked/researched hard for a very difficult service.

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Service was completely about my mother: It went beautifully smooth Declan met all my expectations and more.

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Declan was wonderful to my dad and I as we lost mum. Calm, patient, very kind, I feel he has a natural gift for this work. His ability to understand the character and personality of my deceased mum was truly amazing, and his ability to be able to present her personality to the attendees broke my heart, but in the best way. He was able to do what dad and I struggled to do. His presence at the crematorium meant we could say goodbye to mum without any stress, because he had everything in hand. My dad also thought Declan was amazing and was also so grateful that we had him to guide us and have control of the ceremony.

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Declan was brilliant and met with us beforehand to get to know as much personal details about my father, this helped to give the service a more personal touch. everyone who attended the service was complimentary of how well it went.

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Declan was fantastic, very patient and thoughtful and everyone commented to us after, that the service was lovely and so personal to my step-dad. We couldn't thank him enough and would highly recommend Declan.

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Declan was very easy to talk to about my husband. It was like a group of old friends all chatting together. He conveyed exactly how my husband was in life. Very professional and friendly ceremony.

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Declan met with the family several days in advance of the ceremony to find out about Dad and the family. He did so in an extremely sensitive and relatable manner. On the day of the ceremony the entire family thought Declan captured my father to a tee. The way he delivered the story made it easier than it could have been, and for that Mum was especially grateful.

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Couldn't recommend Declan enough and from conversations with other attendees at the service, friends and family beyond the inner circle were also very impressed and made comment to that effect. From initial meeting and taking on the difficult task of listening to everyone's memories, thoughts and wishes and turning them into a beautiful tribute. His relaxed, warm and friendly manner instantly put everyone at ease. Thank you for that. Declan was always available and on hand with communication right up to the day of the service, where Declan was in full control allowing our family to focus on remembering ------. A kind offering of a presentation script following the service was provided the next day.

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Declan, the celebrant was amazing. He totally understood who my mum was and how to best represent her. She would have loved the service. In fact when we came out my friend told the funeral director that this was exactly what he wanted when the time came. Hugely professional, very personal and a lovely guy who had such a sense of calm during a very difficult situation. Would not hesitate to recommend a humanist in the future.

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Image of Declan Walsh

Declan Walsh

Where I work

I work across County Down and Belfast. I have experience delivering services in all the crematoria and in a range of settings in cemeteries and from large funeral homes to small private services.

Fees from...

£220

How to contact me
Email

declanpaulwalsh@gmail.com

Phone

07859 816585

HUMANIST CEREMONIES™ is the network of more than 550 celebrants, trained by national charity Humanists UK to a gold standard to provide memorable and meaningful humanist ceremonies to non-religious people. Operating throughout England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands, we deliver authentic, tailor-made and heartfelt ceremonies for life’s key moments. They are always inclusive and welcoming, regardless of the beliefs of those attending.

You can trust Humanist Ceremonies celebrants: We are DBS-checked, fully insured, and regularly peer reviewed for quality assurance. We are committed to a code of conduct, and have a transparent and robust complaints process in the rare case of a problem. We all pay a monthly fee to Humanists UK to further support the work of the charity, and are part of a regional network for like-minded celebrants for support and learning.

Humanist funerals

Humanist funerals, memorials and ash ceremonies are a fitting way to honour a unique life with warmth, sensitivity and meaning, but without reference to religion or an afterlife. They put the story of the person who has died at the heart of the ceremony, paying tribute to them and the legacy they leave, and provide an opportunity to bring people together, not just to share sadness but to celebrate a life lived.