North Clare twins the only ones in school for sacrament

TWIN boys from North Clare will make their First Holy Communion together on Saturday in a ceremony where they will be the only two candidates to receive the sacrament.
Cian and Donnchadh Vaughan, who are nine years of age, were the only two pupils in second class last year at Furglan National School, near Lahinch.
When the pandemic caused ceremonies to be deferred, the boys, like hundreds of thousands of other children around the country, faced a long wait for the milestone.
“They were on tenterhooks for the summer really,” said mum Patricia, who is principal of the school.
“The delay was all for the best really because now we can have all the extended family and friends and we’ll be able to mark the day.
“Their big brother Joshua, who is 17, will be there and dad, Frank, as well as the uncles and aunties.
“We are very lucky to have three out of the four grandparents with us and both Frank and I have large families. There’s eight in mine and seven in Frank’s.
“In the school, we have only 13 pupils in the school and so everyone is able to get involved in the preparation and the ceremony, because we can easily socially distance.”
First confession took place earlier this week when Fr Willie Cummins visited the school and everyone got involved in preparations.
Teacher Monica Villeen prepared the boys for the sacrament while SNA Mary Lou Moylan got all of the art and decoration organised. Ava Murphy, who started college this week, will play the organ.
Patricia described the boys as “very excited” about the big day, especially about the prospect of wearing their new suits. She said the bond between the twins is a very special one.
“During the lockdowns, we really came to realise how special it is to be a twin,” Patricia said.
“They didn’t need playdates or sleep-overs. Each of them has their permanent best friend by their side. The pandemic really highlighted how lucky twins are.”
On Saturday at Clouna Church, Cian and Donnchadh will each have three jobs during the ceremony.
“They’ll each do readings and prayers as well as bringing up the gifts, so they’ll be busy,” said Patricia.
The communion is a particularly special event for the school and wider community.
“We had no celebration of the sacraments for the last year and in this school year we’ll have five,” Patricia added.
“There’ll be two more for communion next year and one pupil for confirmation.
“It reflects the fact that things are opening up and it’s going to be a lovely community occasion,” she concluded.