Holy Communion costs outrageous

I AM a 16-year-old who made my Holy Communion nine years ago. I was shocked when I saw the figures quoted for getting a girl kitted out for Communion (Irish Examiner, April 27). €1,984?! It’s ridiculous.

The cost for my own Communion was nowhere near that figure. My dress was worn by both my sisters and three of my cousins. I didn’t go to a hairdresser. I didn’t wear gloves — besides, you’re not supposed to wear gloves, you have to receive the eucharist with your bare hands.

I didn’t have an umbrella (which, by the way, I consider useless). The only new things I got were shoes and socks.

Did I feel deprived? Am I disappointed that my mother didn’t spend close to €2,000 for that special day? Of course not! I had a fantastic day and it is one of my cherished childhood memories. I am much happier that my mother put the money into a college fund for me instead of blowing it on one day.

It’s outrageous that people are spending that kind of money. It’s also entirely inappropriate for eight-year-olds to be getting fake tan. It just goes to show how extremely foolish and irresponsible some parents are.

Eimear Herlihy

Meenathee

Rathanny

Tralee

Co Kerry