A Drogheda based parish priest has defended the issuing of guidelines to families attending confirmation and communion ceremonies in the church.
Fr David Bradley of the Holy Family Parish in Ballsgrove, Drogheda, said the guidelines were to allow the ceremonies such as confirmation taking place tomorrow, to run smoothly and allow the children concentrate on the occasion.
There had only ever been a few incidents in the past but they had completely ruined ceremonies.
Fr Bradley said people understood and accepted the reasons for the guidelines.
A letter sent out to parents by the parish ask that they not to chew gum or bring in food or drink, other than for babies.
People are not allowed out of the Church during the ceremonies without good reason because people have been going out for cigarette breaks.
Those who persistently talk or make noise will also be asked to leave.
Due to pressure of space no stretched limousines or horse-drawn carriages are allowed into the Church grounds and instead people are asked to consider making a donation to a local charity.
