The biggest church suppliers in Ireland are on a mission to save Christmas from Brexit.
Red wine and Communion wafers are being stockpiled by Desmon Wisley in Co Leitrim so there’s enough to go around at Christmas Day Mass.
Mr Wisley Brexit-proofed Christmas by doubling his Communion and wine orders.
He usually orders four palettes of wafer breads a month - each containing 1.5million pieces.
But Brexit fears pushed him to double his order to eight palettes a month and up his monthly wine orders from 280 cases to 560 cases.
“We’ve increased the orders, doubling up from now up through November and December so we will be well-stocked to cover it all, whatever happens with Brexit,” said Mr Wisley, who works with his dad Brendan, 85.
Communion wafers for the Irish market are sourced in Poland and transported to Ireland via the UK. The 15% proof red wine comes from Spain.
“It usually takes three to five days to get to Ireland but with a messy Brexit that could cause a hold-up and take three weeks,” said Desmond, who also sells gongs, Holy Water vats and electronic Rosary devices.
“We were panicking they might get stuck in the UK but now we have it all covered.
“So everyone will make it to Mass at Christmas.”
He added Holy Water is safe, as it’s only consecrated with a splash from a priest.
