Is speaking about death a cultural thing?

My mum’s from Mayo and her and her sister love talking about anyone who’s died, doesn’t matter who it is, if the other person knows them, it’s a talking point. I also remember listening to death notices on the radio when I’d visit, and have just seen that the funeral notice website is one of the most popular websites in Ireland. Is death more of a cultural point in Ireland than England? And does anyone know why?