Grave concern tackles plot details

THE country’s obsession with makeovers has taken a whole new twist with the success of the first grave makeover company.

While garden makeovers and interiors makeovers have become de rigueur in post-Celtic Tiger Ireland, a Wicklow-based company is reporting booming trade in the transformation and maintenance of overgrown or neglected graves.

Grave Angels was set up about a year ago but the business idea was born over 20 years ago when Trish Hickey’s baby sister died.

“My mother was devastated. She couldn’t deal with the funeral never mind looking after the grave and I started to tend the grave. Over the years, people began to ask me if I could do the same for them,” she said.

According to Trish and co-owner, landscaper Brian Little, much of their business comes from families living abroad, people who find tending the grave “too emotionally draining” or relatives who aren’t physically able as they once were.

“For a lot of people, going to the grave and tending it is very, very hard. The person may have died tragically or as a child.

"We take away this stress and give them peace of mind,” said Mr Little. “Next-of-kin are also elderly and just can’t get down to the grave, the likes of a man with arthritis who isn’t able to look after his wife’s plot anymore.”

When Trish and Brian begin on a grave, it may only be an overgrown mound of earth and they will level it, spread top soil and pick plants that suit the aspect and soil.

Up to 90% of makeover clients ask Grave Angels to maintain the plot afterwards but they also offer a grave maintenance package without a complete clean-up. The company maintains up to 100 graves around the country and employs local technicians.

The cost is €300 for a grave renovation, and a further €300 if you want the grave tended for a year, with a landscaper visiting once a month.

They can be contacted at www.graveangels.com.