A video of a Traveller woman accusing a priest of stopping her from attending a First Communion mass in county Clare because of how she was dressed has been posted and shared online.
In the footage the priest is seen standing at the entrance of the Church, while the woman accuses him of “discrimination big time against the Traveller women”.
The woman claims that other churchgoers were allowed entry to the Ennistymon church, despite wearing clothes similar to hers.
However, it is not entirely clear from the video as to why the woman was refused entry.
In a statement the Parish of Ennistymon said no child and no parent of a participating child was or would be excluded.
The statement said the parish “has a dress-code for participants in liturgical celebrations.
"The code is not onerous and is not unduly restrictive. It simply recognizes that reasonably modest attire helps create a respectful, generous, joyful atmosphere of worship and prayer in the church, particularly where children are present and involved. The young deserve no less.”
Reacting to the incident, Catherine Joyce, manager at Blanchardstown Traveller Development Group, told Shane Coleman on The Pat Kenny Show:"I think the issue is wider than the priest, in this case. This discrimination across this country happens to travellers every single day.
"We're coming off the foot of a very serious referendum and you would imagine in this day and age would be treated equally.
"If there was a strict dress code it should across to every member of the community."
"The perception that is now out there, between The Catholic Church and the Travellers community, is one of negativity," Ms Joyce added.
Two gardai were also seen on the footage, preventing the woman from gaining entry. The priest has not been available for comment.
