Fr Thornton said that standing outside the church collecting Trócaire boxes from passing cars was not the most unusual thing that he has done in recent times, as with COVID-19 “unusual” is the new normal.

In the same week that “abortion pill reversal” was attacked in Ireland, news emerged that an unborn baby had its life ended in England after a woman took “pills by post” abortion drugs while 28 weeks pregnant - Pro Life Campaign.

“The State should not favour one particular childcare choice over another ... The State should allocate resources in such a way as to financially support the various choices parents want to make about the care of their children during the day.”

32-page Irish Independent supplement on the women who have helped shape the country.