‘It felt as if Pope John Paul had come to console us’

Memories of visit of Papal visit in 1979

IN the autumn of 1979 a combined 3million people attended events in Dublin, Galway, Knock, Drogheda, Clonmacnoise, Limerick, and Maynooth to see Pope John Paul II. It was an expression of public devotion not seen since the Eucharistic Congress of 1932, and this weekend’s visit of Pope Francis brings back floods of memories for parishioners who travelled on that special journey 39 years ago.

Phil O’Neill from Cahersiveen is looking forward to this weekend as she saw Pope John Paul II in Limerick in 1979. However, it was an occasion tinged with sadness as Phil’s father had passed away only weeks before the Pope’s visit.

“My father had just died, and we were all very sad that summer. It felt as though Pope John Paul had come to console us; it was like a light in the darkness for us,” she said.

“I remember my mother was dressed in black, as they did in those days, but she decided because the Pope was coming she couldn’t wear black. She never wore black clothes again after that day. It was the voice of Pope John Paul that I remember most. It was so strong, powerful and reassuring. We felt he really was representing Christ on earth.”

The Parish Priest of Ballybunion, Fr Sean Hanafin, was based in Killarney in 1979, and he recalls the sense of occasion travelling to Galway to see the Pope.

“There was a lot of preparations with people learning hymns and getting a feel for what the visit was about. But there was also a lot of fun and excitement. I remember arriving in Galway early that morning, walking a few miles to the racecourse and the whole anticipation of the Pope’s arrival,” said Fr Sean.

“There was a magical spirit when he arrived and celebrated Mass. And when he said the line, ‘Young people of Ireland, I love you’, there was a wonderful response. The crowds were vast and there was no attention paid to health and safety with crowds back then. Coaches are leaving Ballybunion and surrounding parishes this weekend, and people are really excited and looking forward to it.”