I think this is an interesting story from a couple of angles.  Basically a Gaelscoil (Irish language school) in Port Laoise is causing trouble about wanting to receive the sacraments (First Confession and Communion) in Irish.  The problem with this, of course, is that it then becomes impossible for the children to make their second, third and future confessions without planning by the school.  But then most children only go to confession when school organises it.

Have a read of this shorter version from Catholic Ireland News.  The language and tone shows up the attitude of so many parents, schools and teachers to the sacraments - "School principal Dominic Ó'Braonáin wrote to parents last week saying that it had been decided not to proceed with the First Confession arrangements proposed by the parish.

He told them that parents are, “unhappy with the arrangements that the parish proposes for the celebration of the sacraments involving the Gaelscoil."

“It is the express will of the parents and school management that the sacraments be celebrated in Irish," the principal continued."

What this version of the story leaves us is that there are other parents who take a more inclusive, dare we say "Catholic" view.  From the Leinster Leader we learn that the Chairman of the Parents Council offered to resign over the issue:

"Chairperson of Parents Council, Pauline Madigan, has also offered her resignation over the issue. She said she feels she cannot represent the parents if she does not share their viewpoint.

Speaking to the Leinster Express on Tuesday morning, Ms Madigan said: "I think it's more important to be part of the overall community of Portlaoise."

Ms Madigan offered her resignation at a meeting on Monday night (February 8), but it was not accepted. "My resignation was not accepted but I still don't feel that it is fair for me to represent the parents, when I have a different opinion to them."

Ms Madigan said she did not wish to tarnish the good name of the school, as the staff and principal do exemplary work.

"I am proud to have my children attend the Gaelscoil," she said, "but I feel it is far more important for my child to receive the sacrament with the rest of the Parish."