Worshippers at a cathedral were warned not to pray too long -- or face getting their cars clamped.
Parking attendants from Letterkenny Town Council, Co Donegal, went on patrol at the car park outside St Eunan's Cathedral issuing strict warnings to motorists that vehicles staying beyond three hours would be clamped.
The new scheme was brought in after complaints from regular Mass-goers that the car park -- a hundred metres from the town centre -- had been taken over by shoppers and office workers.
"I'm personally delighted," said one local woman going to Mass.
New signs warning of the clamping order have been erected at the entrance.
The council has opened a new car park just 50 metres away with a daily charge of just €1.
Bishop of Raphoe, Philip Boyce, is behind the new arrangements, with the alternative €1 all-day car park on offer. "I think it is very reasonable value," he said.