A Westmeath priest has been reprimanded by gardaí for allowing people into the church.
We're at risk of becoming a Communist country if we continue to ban people from practicing their faith.
That's according to Father PJ Hughes from Mount Temple, who has run into conflict with the gardaí, after finding him in breach of covid-19 restrictions for celebrating mass with worshippers present.
But the priest - now bases in County Cavan - says he will not be closing the church doors to those who want to attend mass.
He says they're very careful about social distancing and hand santitising - but it's not for the government to intervene in the divine right to practice faith:
€200k in Funding For Recreational Spaces Set For Midlands
New RSA Report Finds 38 Serious Road Injuries In Midlands
Laois Priest Praises Pope Leo's AI Encyclical
Laois County Council Launch Public Realm Project
Westmeath Actress Ties The Knot
Laois Shop Set To Close Doors After Three Generations In Business
Laois And Offaly Under Status Yellow High Temperature Warning
Fundraiser For Offaly Family Of Tadgh Farrell Taking Place This Weekend
Occupied Territories Bill Set To Be Approved
Irish Troops Returning After UNIFIL Deployment
Laois Sustainable Future Conference Taking Place Today
FTD Brothers Take Off From Offaly
Two Arrested For Abusive Behaviour On Westmeath Bus
Planning Permission Granted for New Laois Homes Despite Public Objection
Midlands Animal Charity Criticize Viral Video Of Horse In Supermarket
Gardai Attend Scene Of Westmeath Crash
Public Meeting On Irish Neutrality In Laois Tonight
Midlands Braced For Record Breaking Temperatures
Midlands Hospital Experiencing High Admission Numbers
Founding President Of TUS To Step Down Next Year