A HISTORY OFUNHOLY ROWS...

DEVOUT members of the Travelling community have long had an affinity with Knock.

Two years ago, a 14-year-old Traveller boy had been at the shrine in Fatima, Portugal with his family when it is said he saw visions of Our Lady.

After the experience, he claimed Mary would appear at Knock and bless everyone present. In 2017, crowds of up to 2,000 descended on the town and Gardaí put a traffic management plan in place.

Travellers’ deep-rooted connection with the town is reinforced annually at the Novena at the Basilica of Our Lady, the biggest event of the year at the shrine. This August, it coincides with the Papal visit.

However, there has been a longrunning series of ‘unholy wars’ between Travellers and locals around the Novena each year.

On one occasion, over 350 Travellers set up home in the basilica car park. At the time, in 1998, the then chairman of Knock Development Association complained they were trading illegally out of their vans.

In 2003, local business leaders complained of ‘loutish behaviour’ by large groups of Travellers.

And, in 2007, tensions reached a climax when about 30 vans and caravans blocked houses and retail premises during the Novena.

Residents set up a blockade on Main Street and forced the Travellers to leave.