The Second Miracle at Knock
One of the greatest aviation stories in Ireland's history was the building of Knock airport in Co.Mayo. When Monsignor James Horan, a local clergyman, proposed the idea many people thought it would never work.
Opening of Knock Airport
Photograph taken at opening of Horan International airport (Knock Airport), May 1986. Photograph shows Charles Haughey,who performed the opening, and Monsignor James Horan.
Courtesy Tom CampbellOpening of Knock Airport
Courtesy Tom Campbell
Courtesy Tom Campbell
Opening of Knock Airport
Photograph taken at opening of Horan International airport (Knock Airport), May 1986. Photograph shows Charles Haughey,who performed the opening, and Monsignor James Horan.
Courtesy Tom Campbell
Inaugural Flight, Knock Airport
Monsignor James Horan pictured by Henry Wills, Western People, on occasion of inaugural flight, Knock Airport, November 1985.
Courtesy Henry Wills, Western PeopleInaugural Flight, Knock Airport
Courtesy Henry Wills, Western People
Courtesy Henry Wills, Western People
Inaugural Flight, Knock Airport
Monsignor James Horan pictured by Henry Wills, Western People, on occasion of inaugural flight, Knock Airport, November 1985.
Courtesy Henry Wills, Western PeopleMonsignor Horan wanted the west of Ireland to have an international airport which would make it easier for people to travel to and from the region. The airport would provide jobs for local people and allow more pilgrims to visit the shrine at Knock.
The first flight from Knock brought pilgrims from Knock to Rome in November 1985. It was officially opened in May 1986.
Sadly, Monsignor Horan died in August of the same year and so did not live to see the airport's success.
The airport was renamed Ireland West Airport Knock in 2005. Flights depart daily to destinations in England, Europe and the United States. In 2006, more than 600,000 passengers travelled through the airport.