Goodbye to Ireland

Wednesday, 18th September, 2019.

On the night of Thursday, 21 August 1879, a group of local people saw an apparition of the Virgin Mary, St Joseph and St John the Evangelist at the south gable of the church at Knock, Co Mayo.  An estimated 1.5 million pilgrims from across Ireland and across the world flock to the shrine every year to pray at the place where an apparition of Mary is said to have appeared. Since the apparition, pilgrims have come to Knock in search of healing, reconciliation and peace.

Before I left home, Br Regis told me that he remembered the Parish Priest of Knock campaigning to have an international airport built there, to encourage "rich Americans" to make pilgrimages to Knock.

James Horan (same surname as Kathy's maiden name) born in Partry, County Mayo, was a parish priest of Knock from 1963-86. He is most widely known for his successful campaign to bring an airport to Knock, his work on Knock Basilica, and is also credited for inviting Pope John Paul II to visit Knock Shrine in 1979.Critics regarded the idea of an airport on a "foggy, boggy site" in Mayo as unrealistic, but the plan was given approval, although the funding was cut after a change in government.Horan raised the IR£4,000,000 shortfall by holding a "Jumbo Draw". This large lottery succeeded in raising the required revenue, but only after a painstaking tour of several countries, including Australia and the United States. This took its toll on the ageing Horan and led to his death shortly after the completion of the airport. The airport was originally known as Horan International Airport, but is now officially referred to as Ireland West Airport Knock. 

This tribute to Monsignor Horan stands at the approach to the airport.

After Stansted, Knock airport was so pleasant - friendly, clean, efficient and compact, with only three gates.

Goodbye Ireland, what a wonderful visit.