There's controversy in Athy regarding a gay couple who have stepped down from the local St. Michael's Catholic parish church music activities.
Jacinta O'Donnell and Geraldine Flanagan, who married in July, have stepped down from the church choir and other church music activities, due to what they say is the level of pressure placed upon them and the church by a local church activist Anthony Murphy.
Mr. Murphy is strongly opposed to gay people being active in the Catholic church in what he calls leadership roles.
Mr. Murphy has also conveyed his views to parish priest Canon Frank McEvoy, who the couple says has been supportive of them.
Speaking to Kfm, Jacinta outlines the events so far:
Anthony Murphy defended his stance, claiming it's not a personal issue:
You can listen back to the full interview here: http://kildaretoday.podomatic.com/entry/2016-09-08T07_44_43-07_00