An End to Catholic Ireland?

Irish people are ditching Catholicism faster than almost any other country:

An overwhelming 69% of Irish people declared themselves to be "a religious person" in the last survey conducted in 2005, but this has now plummeted to 47%. Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Catholic Communications Office said faith was not a "numbers game". And it said the latest survey contrasted sharply with last year's census in the Republic, which found that 84% described themselves as Catholic, and just 5% said they had no religion. But according to the latest research, the Republic is now in the top 10 for the number of people declaring themselves to be "a convinced atheist".

Mary Kenny is doubtful, and in an Irish context is sure to make a distinction between 'religion' and 'faith'.