'The most important job I've done' - Laois resident's life and times in undertaking

Clonaslee resident and former London undertaker Julian Watson recently took on a new undertaking - a memoir documenting his time as a funeral director in England.

The writer released his book less than two weeks ago, and has already received stellar reviews online. In the engrossing memoir 'So Far So What!', Julian Watson takes readers on an unforgettable journey into the world of funeral directing, offering a candid and often humorous look at his experiences from 1976 to 1988.

Discussing the memoir with the Leinster Express / Laois Live, Mr Watson said that undertaking was "the most important job I've done in my entire life".

"The book is section to section breakdowns of real things that happened to me on the job. I was an undertaker on the east end of London for many years," he said. "The book is actually a memoir of things that happened to me and went on behind the scenes - funny occasions that happened to me".

"We had some disastrous things happen too, and  I suppose I did the best I could, and I describe it as best as I can too," Watson added.

From his hesitant beginnings as a 26-year-old thrust into the family business, to the heartfelt moments shared with grieving families, Julian's narrative is both heartfelt and entertaining. As the great-great-grandson of the founder, he finds himself navigating the streets of 'Ackney' in a Rolls-Royce hearse, encountering challenges that range from comical to deeply moving.

"When you die, you don't know what to do, so you go to this person, and they ask what you want to do, and they make everything happen, which is brilliant! Undertakers are an absolutely fabulous concept".

The book is full of entertaining anecdotes from the undertaker, including a particularly interesting incident on the way to a graveyard in London.

"It's all real, there's some tongue-in-cheek moments but it's all accurate stories," Watson explained. 

"We had one incident heading up the Great Cambridge Road in London, a very busy road, and the traffic lights went red for our procession. The hearse in front stopped, the first limousine stopped, but a second limousine behind didn't stop! It went right into the other two vehicles, and I'm very glad it wasn't me driving!"

Having officially launched the book almost two weeks ago, the Clonaslee resident is set to give some lucky Laois residents a signed copy.

"I'll be having a book signing on July 13 in Mary Hickeys (pub in Clonaslee), at about 3pm with a few physical copies that I've got," Watson explained.

Watson made sure to praise the hard work of fellow Clonaslee resident Jenny Gorman, who transferred the undertaker's work into an online format.

"Without her, it would never have happened," he said. "Thanks Jenny".

On life on Clonaslee, Watson said the town suited the former London undertaker. 

"Clonaslee is nearly as mad as I am. The people are really nice once you have earned their friendship and trust," he said. "It has to be earned though," says Mr Watson.

Mr Watson originally moved to Ireland for a job in Offaly following his time as a funeral director in the UK capital, and ended up deciding to stay in Ireland in the 90s, eventually settling in the small town in the heart of the Slieve Blooms.

He says: "I've been living in Laois for 20 years, when I'm here for another 20 I'll be considered a local!"

With a keen eye for detail and a sharp wit, Watson paints a vivid portrait of life beside the grave, introducing us to a colourful cast of characters who populate his world.

Whether you're a seasoned funeral director or simply curious about the inner workings of the industry, this book is sure to captivate and inspire, and is not one to be missed for anyone curious about the early life of one of Clonaslee's most interesting characters. 

The book has received rave reviews so far, with one reader saying that she "couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting".

Another reviewer added that he "was not expecting to be so thoroughly entertained and moved by this book", and said it was "a must-read".

Julian Watson's book 'So Far So What!' can be found on Amazon here.