First Communion can be toasted with bubbly

FIRST Holy Communions can be toasted with bubbly as a judge’s refusal to allow alcohol to be served where families celebrate their children’s special day was overturned yesterday.

Judge Michael Pattwell refused the application to license a marquee in the gardens of Castlehyde Hotel in north Cork, as he found it deeply offensive that anyone should plan to involve drink to such an extent in a Church celebration for eight-year-olds.

"I have encountered drink in connection with baptisms, Confirmations and marriages. Six of the seven sacraments I've seen soiled by drink. But I haven't come across an ordination yet," he said in Fermoy District Court last month.

Castlehyde Hotel manager Patrick Kelly appealed the refused special licence that would operate from 1pm to 6pm on May 15.

He said it would not have been necessary to make the application if they had room to accommodate all 250 diners within the property. He said they could only seat 90 in the dining room, so it was necessary to use the marquee.

Judge Patrick J Moran granted the application on appeal.

"I take the view that it is a special event. I will grant you the licence." Tim Bracken, barrister, for the appellant, Tom Collier, trading as Albert McGonagle Bar, said Communion day was a special event occurring in the Fermoy area only once a year, and that the other hotel in the area was being renovated.

It was also proposed to create a special play area outside the marquee for the children. Judge Pattwell had said he found it incredible it should be proposed that the very children who were celebrating such a special day should be placed in a separate, supervised play area while their parents enjoyed a reception in a marquee complete with a drinks licence.