‘I cut my own hair that week. I was a bit of a tomboy and didn’t want to wear a white lace dress’ – Irish celebs’ First Holy Communion memories

Red lemonade, DIY haircuts and homemade dresses... six famous faces share the highs of their sacramental celebrations

Clockwise from top left: Jenny Egan-Simmons, Paul Flynn, Maia Dunphy, Mary Coughlan, Lorraine Keane and Joe Duffy

Arlene Harris

The “Communion season” is about to begin in earnest and for most Irish people, it has been a rite of passage down through the years. As many children taking their holy vows this year will be decked out in a swanky new outfit, enjoy a slap-up family meal in a restaurant or a bouncy-castle extravaganza at home, we decided to speak to some well-known faces to find out what their big day entailed.

Broadcaster Joe Duffy made his Communion in 1963 in Palmerstown. He remembers the feeling of pride as he and his classmates showcased their piety and style to the community and were rewarded with edible treats.