Dear Editor, These days our bishops and educationists are again circling the wagons against the encroachment of ‘faith-neutral’ models of religious education in Catholic schools. So, for example, we hear Dr Eugene Duffy of St Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, insisting that: “Parents, if they’re sending their children to a faith-based school, will have a genuine…
Category: Opinion
Disorder and disrespect at services
Dear Editor, I found myself in church, quite accidentally, on a Saturday afternoon at a baptism ceremony. It was conducted by an elderly priest, for whom I had great sympathy. Why? The atmosphere in the church was anything but quiet and respectful. There was widespread talking and giggling, children running around through the seats, even…
Church should lead way to help refugees
Dear Editor, With the news that over 700 more refugees have drowned in the Mediterranean Sea, and the Irish Government is still doing nothing meaningful to confront the horrors that are taking place before our very eyes, the hierarchy of the Catholic Church, together with the superiors of the religious orders, must follow Pope Francis…
Any previous will is revoked by marriage
Dear Editor, Mags Gargan’s article on wills (IC 19/05/2016) was timely and valuable. However, she missed what is possibly one of the most important points in relation to making a will. Any previous will is revoked by marriage, unless it is specifically made in contemplation of that marriage. So readers who are engaged (or those…
Clear thinking needed on removal of Cork reader
Dear Editor, I note that Social Democrat Ken Curtin is dismayed at the fact that his removal as a reader in Cobh Cathedral is being used as grounds to attack the Church (IC 26/05/2016). I wonder how the media was made aware of this situation and, also, why Mr Curtin was surprised at the action…
Huge decline in Irish abortions
The number of Irish women seeking abortions in Britain continues to drop, Greg Daly discovers
How the World Meeting of Families might shape up
A papal visit to Ireland might overshadow the actual theme of the meeting, writes David Quinn
Priests shouldn’t be afraid to enable and cherish good friendships
I believe that the time will come when celibacy becomes optional, writes Nuala O’Loan
Parallels between Irish and British referenda
“younger people are nagging and bossing their older parents and relations to vote the ‘progressive’ way, while oldies sometimes keep their doubts to themselves”, writes Mary Kenny
The Church is not a club, but shared faith is really vital
There are clerics who see no inconsistency in living off the Church while preaching opposition to the Church, writes Editor Michael Kelly






Greg Daly
David Quinn
Nuala O’Loan
Mary Kenny
Michael Kelly