It’s a Saturday morning at the end of April on Dublin’s Thomas Street. I squeeze past a line of mammies, daddies and children into a shop: Jas Fagan Tailor, Communion Suits.
Leonard Fagan is adjusting a waistcoat on Bradley Cooney-Roche (8). Fagan’s uncle Tommy works at a sewing machine, while his brother Eugene irons a shirt. His children Lewis and Jennie are busy helping children in and out of suits.
Leonard’s father Jas started his tailoring business over 56 years ago. As a trombone player with showband The Cadets, he began making band outfits. Joe Dolan was a client. One of his trademark white suits takes pride of place at the shop’s rear. When the showband era ended, Jas adapted and began making First Communion suits.
Leonard tells me that orders are taken between December and March, fittings begin in April, and it’s all quiet by the end of May. Because children are now older making their First Communion, many have an idea what they want. Three-piece suits are in demand this year, and popular colours include turquoise and teal. Some girls are even opting for a trouser suit over the traditional dress, he adds, pointing to Cherry Cassidy-Kelly (9) adjusting a bow tie in front of a mirror.
A Deadly American Marriage review: Excruciating documentary gives Jason Corbett’s killers Molly Martens and her father a platform and megaphone
‘Alan Hawe was a wolf in sheep’s clothing who fooled us all’: Clodagh Hawe’s sister on her fight for the truth
Influencer James Kavanagh on life in Kilkenny: ‘I wanted a big house, the fantasy of a big house’
Leonard takes a jacket from Ethan May (9), who is accompanied by his grandfather Patrick. Leonard drops a €2 coin into the breast pocket before placing the jacket in a bag: “It’s a handsel tradition that my father began. It’s for good luck.”
