As the six-week lead-up to Easter begins, UNA MULLALLY asks Catholic Mass-goers outside the Pro-Cathedral in Dublin on Ash Wednesday what they will be denying themselves for the next 40 days and 40 nights
Noel Loftus, Howth, Dublin
“Probably for selfish reasons, I always make a promise to reduce if not eliminate the consumption of anything sweet. As well as that, with regards to doing things, I hope to listen more, and not to be judgmental.”
Michael, Dublin
“I’ve given up a pipe. Medical reasons really, that’s it. I normally wouldn’t give anything up for Lent. There was a thing on the radio the other day that religion should be banned worldwide because of all the problems it causes, in the North, in the Middle East. That’s something to think about.”
Dorothy Delahoyde, Dublin
“I’ve given up alcohol. I’ve already been off it for four weeks, so I’m going to continue that for Lent.”
Marie, Dublin
“I’m not very good at giving up anything at the moment, because I have a thyroid problem. What I was thinking is that I’d like to do some voluntary work instead. I’m going to try and figure out something like that.”
Julia, Dublin
“I won’t eat biscuits for Lent. The last thing at night, I generally have a cup of tea and a biscuit, so I won’t do that now. That’ll be the main thing.”
Catherine Fox, Clondalkin, Dublin
“I haven’t even thought about it!”
James Matthews, Meath
“I haven’t thought about it yet. I have a Trócaire box, so I’ll put money in that. And I’ll try to adopt a healthy eating style.”
Monica Redmond, Artane, Dublin
“I’m not giving up anything. I’ve gone beyond that now.”
Tom, Dublin
“I’m not giving up anything. Lent doesn’t mean much. The ashes? I only have the ashes [on my forehead] because the wife brought me.”
Jennifer O’Connor, Ballyfermot, Dublin
“Chocolate. I have a treat, but I said I’d give it up. You’re meant to give up something you enjoy, aren’t you?”
Anne O’Boyle, Clontarf, Dublin
“Giving up? I don’t think anything. I’ll just try to live my life.”
Katherine, Dublin
“I’ve given up wine. I don’t drink too much of it now, to be honest, but when I cook with the family maybe twice a week, I’d have wine with the food.
Seán Mac Eargusa, Ringsend, Dublin
“I’ll go to Mass every day. That’s what I’ll do. And, as well, acts of self-denial. If you say a prayer for me, I’ll say one for you.”
Brian Byrne, Cabra, Dublin
“Nothing, to be honest with you. It’s not what you give up, it’s what you do. Do you like that? That’s a good one. I’ll throw a few coins in the Trócaire box as well.”
Margaret McMahon, Clontarf, Dublin
“What could I give up? I could be saying my prayers better every day, I suppose. I intend to get to Mass every day as well, which I nearly do anyway. Well, I try to.”
Marie, Artane
“I’m going to try and do something useful, because every time I try to give something up I always fail. I think I’ll try and do a few hours of voluntary work this week.”
Joan Ryan, Raheny, Dublin
“I’ll try and get to Mass every day, because I work in town anyway. I’ll probably give up something small, like something sweet. A bit of penance doesn’t do us any harm.”
Jaqueline Tilley, Baldoyle, Dublin
“I’m trying to make small good changes. I suppose small ones, but good ones.”
Maureen, Pearse Street, Dublin
“Biscuits and chocolate.”
Sally Dowling, Meath
“Wine, too much food. More fitness, less TV.”
