Latest news with #MichaelGaine
Scottish Sun
5 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Bizarre ‘boil in a bag' funerals where bodies are LIQUIFIED & flushed down a drain could get the go-ahead in UK
It uses high temperatures to corrode the body into a liquid disposed as wastewater WAVE GOODBYE Bizarre 'boil in a bag' funerals where bodies are LIQUIFIED & flushed down a drain could get the go-ahead in UK Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) "BOIL in a bag" funerals could be set to become available in the UK - as controversial method criticised as disrespectful. The alternative method, which is already available in other countries, works to dissolve bodies and flush them down the drain. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 The process produces a liquid that is disposed of as wastewater Credit: Getty 4 Bodies are corroded using alkaline chemicals and water at high temperatures Credit: Instagram/Bio-Response 4 The method could be allowed in the UK following a consultation Credit: The Sun A consultation by the Law Commission is underway and could see the bizarre practice replacing traditional funerals which involve ground burials or flame-based cremation. There is currently no regulatory framework on the practice, meaning it is effectively banned in the UK - but the consultation could see this change. Advocates that support so-called water cremation or alkaline hydrolysis, claim that it is better for the environment. Skeptics that are opposed to the technique believe that it is a disrespectful way to treat the dead. Water cremation consists of using water and alkaline chemicals at a high temperature to rapidly decompose a corpse. The body is loaded into a pressure vessel containing the corrosive liquid, and is heated to around 160 degrees Celsius. This leaves liquid, known as 'effluent' which can be poured down the drain with other wastewater. It doesn't contain any tissue or DNA, and is described as a brown colour resembling "tea or an ale". The remaining bones can then be ground to ash for the bereaved loved ones to take home. These can then be scattered or kept in a similar way to traditional ashes from a flame-based cremation. Murdered farmer Michael Gaine given special guard of honour after funeral mass Any metal hip and knee joints remain intact. One funeral home in Minnesota paid $750,000 (£580,000) to install the approximately six foot by four foot chamber a decade ago. It is a relatively easy process for undertakers who just push a few buttons to get the chamber to start filling with water. Despite having been patented in 1888, the process is yet to reach mainstream use. While some see the process as mirroring the baptism at the start of life, others view it as disrespectful. Critics have argued that it could be seen as a kind of desecration of the body, the majority of which is disposed as wastewater. Dr Lian Lundy, a wastewater specialist at Middlesex University told The Telegraph: "Some people view it as basically mixing up my loved one with poo in the sewer and they don't like that. "But there's a lot that goes into the sewer that we don't really think about – waste from mortuaries and hospitals and all sorts of things that we don't know about – so from that perspective, it's not really any different." 4 The remaining ashes are then given to loved ones Credit: Resomationltd Co-op Funeralcare previously promised to offer the service in 2023 - but plans were delayed as they couldn't get through the regulatory framework. It is already available in nearly 30 states, in Canada, South Africa, and in Ireland - which became the first in Europe when it opened a facility in early 2023. Estimates suggest that the cost of water cremation will be similar to flame-based cremation, typically costing $1,500 to $5,000 in states where it is already legal. It could also provide a more environmentally-alternative to traditional methods. Flame-based cremation releases around 535 pounds of carbon dioxide in to the air while burials can pollute the surrounding soil.
The Irish Sun
5 hours ago
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Bizarre ‘boil in a bag' funerals where bodies are LIQUIFIED & flushed down a drain could get the go-ahead in UK
"BOIL in a bag" funerals could be set to become available in the UK - as controversial method criticised as disrespectful. The Advertisement 4 The process produces a liquid that is disposed of as wastewater Credit: Getty 4 Bodies are corroded using alkaline chemicals and water at high temperatures Credit: Instagram/Bio-Response 4 The method could be allowed in the UK following a consultation Credit: The Sun A consultation by the Law Commission is underway and could see the bizarre practice replacing traditional funerals which involve ground burials or flame-based cremation. There is currently no regulatory framework on the practice, meaning it is effectively banned in the UK - but the consultation could see this change. Skeptics that are opposed to the technique believe that it is a disrespectful way to treat the dead. Advertisement Read more News Water cremation consists of using water and alkaline chemicals at a high temperature to rapidly decompose a corpse. The body is loaded into a pressure vessel containing the corrosive liquid, and is heated to around 160 degrees Celsius. This leaves liquid, known as 'effluent' which can be poured down the drain with other wastewater. It doesn't contain any tissue or DNA, and is described as a brown colour resembling "tea or an ale". Advertisement Most read in The Sun Live Blog The remaining bones can then be ground to ash for the bereaved loved ones to take home. These can then be scattered or kept in a similar way to traditional ashes from a flame-based cremation. Murdered farmer Michael Gaine given special guard of honour after funeral mass Any metal hip and knee joints remain intact. Advertisement It is a relatively easy process for undertakers who just push a few buttons to get the chamber to start filling with water. Despite having been patented in 1888, the process is yet to reach While some see the process as mirroring the baptism at the start of life, others view it as disrespectful. Critics have argued that it could be seen as a kind of desecration of the body, the majority of which is disposed as wastewater. Advertisement Dr Lian Lundy, a wastewater specialist at Middlesex University told "But there's a lot that goes into the sewer that we don't really think about – waste from mortuaries and hospitals and all sorts of things that we don't know about – so from that perspective, it's not really any different." 4 The remaining ashes are then given to loved ones Credit: Resomationltd Co-op Funeralcare previously promised to offer the service in 2023 - but plans were delayed as they couldn't get through the regulatory framework. Advertisement It is already available in nearly 30 states, in Canada, South Africa, and in Ireland - which became the first in Europe when it opened a facility in early 2023. Estimates suggest that the cost of water cremation will be similar to flame-based cremation, typically costing $1,500 to $5,000 in states where it is already legal. It could also provide a more environmentally-alternative to traditional methods. Flame-based cremation releases around 535 pounds of carbon dioxide in to the air while burials can pollute the surrounding soil. Advertisement
Irish Post
2 days ago
- Irish Post
'Proud Kerry man' Michael Gaine laid to rest as murder investigation continues
THE FUNERAL of Michael Gaine, whose death is the subject of an ongoing murder investigation, has taken place in Co. Kerry. At Holy Cross Church in Kenmare on Saturday, mourners heard how the popular 56-year-old was 'incredibly generous [and] had time for everyone'. Parish priest Father George Hayes also said the funeral was about 'recovering the dignity of Michael Gaine'. Addressing a packed church, Eoghan Clarke paid a moving tribute to his late uncle. "Michael was a proud man, a proud Kerry man and an even prouder Kenmare man," he said. "He was born here in Kenmare in 1968 and he's lived here all of his life. "He was raised by two incredible parents, Jimmy and Sheila, who instilled in him their incredible work ethic, personality and humour for which Michael was so well known." He added: "Michael was incredibly generous, he had time for everyone and he would chip in any time, any place, to help anyone out. "A quote by a friend of his summed him up better than I ever could: 'I will always remember the way you offered help before I ever even needed it.' "Michael seemed to find the time to do the work of three men on his own farm, help out friends, family and neighbours, keep up to speed on current affairs and [still have time to] enjoy himself." 'There are no answers' Mr Gaine was a popular figure in the farming and rallying scenes in Ireland. Gifts brought to the altar included a picture of him on his quad at his farm with his beloved dog, Teddy, as well as his rally helmet. Other pictures included one of Mr Gaine on holiday, reflecting his love of travel, as well as pictures of his family and of his wedding to wife Janice. A CD was also brought to the altar representing his love of music. Addressing Mr Gaine's death, Fr Hayes said 'something terrible has come' to the beautiful countryside of Co. Kerry but that the funeral was a time to 'recover Michael's dignity'. "We are discommoded and we feel at a loss and over these weeks since Michael went missing we've asked so many questions," he said. "In life sometimes we find that there are no answers but in the best traditions of Irish funerals, today is a day for recovering the dignity of Michael Gaine. "Today we recover Michael's dignity because today we speak Michael's name with love. "It is in the dignity of Michael's life and not in the manner of Michael's death that he will abide in our hearts because here in this place today, we recover Michael's dignity, we speak Michael's name with love." He added: "Our challenge as believers in Jesus Christ is to go from here and not to give in to the toxic. "Let's not give in to hatred and bitterness. Let's not give in to death and destruction. "Let's go from here today and in Michael's name let us resolve to do good. Let's strive for justice and for fairness in our world. "Let's be builders of peace and create relationships of dignity because if you don't build a better world and I don't build a better world, who will build a better world?" Investigation Mr Gaine was last seen alive in a shop in Kenmare town on March 20 before leaving in his car, which was later found parked in his farmyard at Carrig East. He was reported missing the following day, however, on April 29, gardaí reclassified the case as a homicide. A search of his land at Carrig East on May 17 uncovered human remains, which were later identified as those of Mr Gaine. On May 18, a man in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of murder before being released without charge the following day. Gardaí are continuing to appeal to the public for assistance in the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the garda investigation team at Killarney Garda Station on 064 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666111 or speak with any member of An Garda Síochána. See More: Kenmare, Kerry, Michael Gaine
Irish Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
The mystery over what happened to Michael Gaine only adds to the pain
Michael Gaine should be remembered for how he lived and not for how he died, his local parish priest claimed at his funeral. Unfortunately that's unlikely to be the case as this much-loved Kerry farmer's death will always register as one of the most grotesque and macabre murders in recent years. The fact that no one has so far been held to account for this horrific murder amid growing fears that his killer might escape justice will only add to the notoriety of the case. What appears to have been a series of blunders on the part of investigating gardai in the early stages of his disappearance when vital evidence might have been available is also a cause of serious concern. Gardaí now believe the outgoing farmer who loved music and travelling was murdered soon after he returned to his isolated farmyard at Carrig East, six kilometres from Kenmare town on March 20. In his homily yesterday the Parish Priest of Kenmare Fr George Hayes said that since Michael went missing 'we've asked so many questions, and in life, sometimes there are no answers.' It is hard to argue with Fr Hayes' assessment as fears grow that the killer may never face charges because of a lack of evidence. Indeed there is a growing resignation that the chance of catching his killer has passed. The announcement by Garda Commissioner Drew Harris on Friday that a review of the police investigation of the murder is to take place would also indicate that mistakes have been made. The Commissioner said there are definite lessons to be learned from investigations, that were initially treated as missing persons cases, but which were later classed as homicides. But when the 56-year old farmer disappeared on March 20 last March those closest to him realised almost immediately that this was not a missing persons case. They knew this farmer who lived for his family, relations and friends would never leave the ones he loved or the land he worked for years. Although they could never have imagined his terrible fate they must have suspected the worst as the days passed. The image caught on CCTV footage of him buying phone credit in a shop in Kenmare on the day he vanished would have convinced them, and almost everyone who saw it, that this was not the act of a man who wanted to disappear. Yet it wasn't until the end of April, over five weeks after Michael had vanished, that gardai upgraded the case to homicide. The search for Michael Gaine was one of the largest ever seen in the country involving gardai and many other organisations as well as hundreds of volunteers yet the missing man's remains were in his farmyard. The nature of its discovery only adds to the horror as the human remains were found by a relative while spreading slurry with a local agricultural contractor at the farm. It was only then that gardai fully investigated the slurry tank on Mr Gaine's farm where more of his body parts were found. Gardaí believe that his killer cut the body into pieces that were so small, they were able to push them through gaps in the grill that were just a few inches wide. This would have meant that the murderer spent many hours cutting the body apart and it is then believed he used water and disinfectant to remove forensic evidence from the scene. As to why the slurry tank was not fully inspected in the early stages of the search remains a mystery and will no doubt will be probed when the review of the investigation takes place. But on the face of it it appears that the lessons from the infamous 'Mr Moonlight' murder case - when another killer Patrick Quirke hid the body of love rival DJ Bobby Ryan in a slurry tank - had not been learned. After painstaking detective work was found to convict Quirke of murder and he was jailed for life in 2019 but there are fears that there may not be enough evidence to find Micheal Gaine's killer. Shortly after the discovery of Mr Gaine's body parts were found, gardai made an arrest and former US soldier Michael Kelley later identified himself as the man who had been questioned. Mr Kelley, who had been living on Mr Gaine's farm for three years before moving to Tralee in April, strenuously denied any involvement in the murder. He claims he is being framed by a subversive criminal organisation. Whatever has really happened, there's little doubt that Michael Gaine's funeral that Kenmare is dealing with the loss of a much-loved family man who hadn't an enemy in the world. That much was clear from the number of friends who carried photographs or items from Michael's life to the altar as he was remembered as a man who loved life to the full.
BBC News
3 days ago
- BBC News
Michael Gaine: Murdered farmer was 'kind, strong and loving'
Mourners attending the funeral Mass of a County Kerry farmer, whose death is the subject of a murder inquiry, have heard he was a kind, strong man, who loved people, farming and Gaine, 56, had been missing for more than eight weeks when his remains were found in May on his farm, near was initially treated as a missing persons case before it was upgraded to a Saturday the congregation was told by parish priest Fr George Hayes that the funeral was about recovering his dignity, as reported by Irish broadcaster RTÉ. 'Proud Kerry man' "There were many questions but sometimes in life there were no answers," said Fr George said that the "dignity of Michael's life, and not the manner of Michael's death, that will abide in our hearts".Michael was someone who "loved much and was much loved," Fr Hayes a tribute to his cousin, Eoghan Clarke, who spoke on behalf of the family said Mr Gaine was known for his "incredible work ethic, personality and humour, and was a loving son, sibling and uncle".He said Mr Gaine's "incredible" work ethic had been instilled in him by his said he and his wife Janice had a "truly beautiful relationship" and that they loved to be together, "from simple trips to the cinema in Killarney, visits to new restaurants, walks in the National Park, and adventurous holidays abroad". "Janice and Michael's sisters will know better than anyone that Michael had a soft, caring side. In Janice's own words, Michael was a true man. He was soft and loving, caring and affectionate, kind and considerate," said."He was not afraid to show his emotions. He was also brave, fearless and strong. He was strong mentally and, as anyone who ever tried to follow him up the mountain in wellies will know, he was strong physically too".Mourners heard Mr Gaine was a keen rally the past week his rallying friends had fixed up the Ford Escort Mark II he used to race and it was used to transport his ashes. Mr Gaine, a sheep and cattle farmer, was reported missing from his home near Kenmare on 21 was last seen in the County Kerry town the previous lived in the remote Carrig East area, close to the Molls Gap beauty spot, along the renowned Ring of to RTÉ, in-depth investigations by gardaí ruled out "innocent" explanations, such as a medical event, an accident, or that he left the area voluntarily. A missing person's investigation operates on the basis of consent, but when gardaí announced the re-classification of their investigation, it meant the range of options in front of the investigation team significantly could then get search warrants, clear areas of interest and seize and examine certain items like phones and tissue found in fields and in the farmyard at Mr Gaine's farm on 16 May was later confirmed to be his. His death is being treated as murder.A man in his 50s, who was arrested last Sunday on suspicion of Mr Gaine's murder, was later released without charge. He has denied any involvement in the farmer's disappearance.
