Once again the First Communion and Confirmation time is over for another year. But the expense may not be and may cause worry to families for a long time after the occasion is over.

As things stand, the bishop remains correct in the letter of the law, if not the spirit that currently appears to prevail with this Pope, writes Alison O’Connor

A member of the Presbyterian Church has told a murder trial he stayed quiet about an alleged confession because he felt he had a duty to the accused.

Clare priest Fr Pat Larkin had to compete with Rod Stewart bellowing out ‘Baby Jane’ while hearing confession yesterday at the Shannon Skycourt shopping centre.