'I cut my own hair that week.  I was a bit of a tomboy and didn't want to wear a white lace dress' – Memories of Irish Celebrities' First Holy Communion

'I cut my own hair that week. I was a bit of a tomboy and didn't want to wear a white lace dress' – Memories of Irish Celebrities' First Holy Communion

Red lemonade, DIY hairstyles and homemade dresses… six famous faces share the highlights of their sacramental celebrations

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

“Communion season” is about to begin in earnest and for most Irish people it has been a rite of passage over the years. Since many of the children taking their holy vows this year will be decked out in a chic new outfit, enjoying an extended family meal at a restaurant or a bouncy castle extravaganza at home, we decided to talk to some famous faces to find out find out what their big day entailed.

Announcer Joe Duffy made his communion in Palmerstown in 1963. He remembers the feeling of pride when he and his classmates showed their piety and style to the community and were rewarded with edible treats.