There has been little evidence of southern worshipers flocking north for Mass despite the disparity on lockdown rules on either side of the border.
While Masses are still permitted in the Northern Ireland, Level 4 restrictions in the Republic have led to a ban on public services.
Even if Donegal Catholics had thought to make the short journey north for Mass, their pilgrimage would be a difficult one. There were long tail backs on all major crossings between Donegal and Derry as Gardai mounted checkpoints to curb unnecessary travel throughout the day yesterday.
Bishop of Clogher, Larry Duffy, whose diocese straddles Fermanagh, Tyrone and Donegal said he was aware of the “fear and frustration” restrictions have caused for the faithful.
“I am especially conscious of the loss felt by so many on the southern side of the border at not being able to celebrate public Mass together. In fact, in some of our parishes, Mass is available in one part while not in the other.”
In the Derry diocese, which also crosses the border, there was little evidence of people travelling north for Mass, according to Fr Michael Canny. Fr Canny said a quick phone-around last weekend indicated few County Donegal people appeared to be coming into Derry for services.
“I heard of one. I would say as well that even after restrictions were lifted in the North earlier in the year, there was little evidence of congregations increasing,” he said.
The disparity in restrictions between north and south has been concerning business leaders. In Level Four Donegal, all but essential shops must close while retail outlets in the North remain open.
The presidents of Derry and Letterkenny’s chamber of commerce staged a show of solidarity on the border.
Letterkenny business leader, Jimmy Stafford and Derry’s Redmond McFadden said the business communities were determined to work together.
“This is a critical time for the north-west in terms of Covid-19 for the region,” Mr Stafford said.
Cross border rules were also occupying the younger generation. Graduate, Caoimhe MacLochlainn (23) from Buncrana said that while trips north for shopping had to be put on the long finger, most younger people were resigned to the restrictions.
“It’s hitting older people more. No visitors are allowed because of level four. The only one I’d be worried about is my granny. We’re concerned that we mightn’t get to visit her for a few weeks,” Ms MacLochlainn said.
That apart, the Buncrana woman said it looked like a return to Zoom contacts for her and her friends in the coming weeks.
“There’s a bit of cabin fever but, sure, what can you do,” she said.
