The administrators of three of the largest churches in the midlands have kept their doors closed to Sunday mass goers this weekend, despite churches being reopened after closing due to the pandemic.
Under Phase 3 of the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions, churches and places of worship have reopened, but attendance has been limited to just 50 people.
The administrators have defended their decision to keep the churches closed, saying that restricting the attendance in each building would have "offended" their parishioners.
Every weekend, over 3,000 people attend Sunday mass ceremonies at the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, Our Lady Queen of Peace and nearby St Mary's church in Athlone.