A priest in the parish of Askea, Co Carlow has overturned the controversial decision to get rid of Holy Communion Day for pupils in three schools in the area.
The move by the local church sparked outrage from parents who want their children to experience the longstanding tradition.
The parents were informed at a parish meeting last week that the children attending Askea National School, Tinryland National School and the local gaelscoil will not have a dedicated Holy Communion Day, but instead will have the option of making their holy communion on “any day” when Mass is being held in May or June.
The parents of pupils attending these schools created a petition that has been signed by 250 people and were vowing to protest outside Mass on Sunday October 7.
It has been revealed this afternoon that the parish priest has since overturned his decision as a result of pressure from local parents.
Speaking to the Irish Independent, Naomi Cahill, a local parent, told the newspaper that they were surprised with the initial decision while at a parish meeting last week: “We went to the meeting and asked for the communion date, and the priest said your child can make communion any day in May or June. Everyone was devastated.
“They can't get rid of our tradition. They said because of the tradition of people going out in big dresses, they don't want others to feel bad who can't afford it, which we totally understand, but it's only as costly as you make it.
"Children want to make their communion with their classmates and have the excitement of practising together. Our children want to take the creed for themselves with their head held high and with their friends, offering gifts and singing with the choir.
"No one is saying you have to wear a dress, but they're going to a Catholic school. My mother was reared that way, my granny was reared that way."
