Clergy move to stop begging at county town church

CLERGY in Castlebar have moved to clamp down on people who regularly beg both inside and outside the Church of the Holy Rosary.

A number of people have complained to parish clergy they “feel intimidated” by the practice.

The weekend parish bulletin carries an appeal to parishioners not to encourage the practice of begging by handing over money.

The notice also urges: “Please be very careful of your belongings in the church, especially during Mass.”

Begging has become increasingly prevalent at the church in recent times with Massgoers -even those attending funerals – targeted.

Some elderly parishioners say they have felt frightened by the attitude and manner of those seeking alms.