MSGR JAMES Horan, builder of an airport and basilica at Knock, Co Mayo, was no “amoral wheeler dealer” or “stroke-puller”, a commemorative event heard at the weekend.
At ceremonies in Knock Shrine to mark the centenary of the churchman’s birth, Prof Nollaig Ó Muraíle gave a lecture in which he rejected perceptions of the late monsignor that could be taken from Christy Moore’s humorous ballad, The Airport up in Knock.
There was also, Prof Ó Muraíle said, “the widespread popular view that the monsignor, in building an airport, had pulled a stroke worthy of any political operator”.
Rejecting these portrayals, the senior lecturer at NUI Galway said: “James Horan was motivated at all times to by a desire to better the lot of his fellow man, especially his own parishioners, and most especially those who were in need.
“Everything was subordinated to achieving that goal. He was unconcerned with fame or personal wealth.
“James Horan was a genuinely kind and humble man, friendly and approachable, liked by young and old alike. He was a deeply devout and spiritual man, a man of prayer.
“I often saw him for long periods in front of the Blessed Sacrament, deep in contemplation.
“I have no doubt it was his deeply ingrained faith that motivated and sustained him and enabled him to face all kinds of adversities and disappointments with an unshakeable optimism.”
The professor conceded the monsignor “could be a wily operator but never in a nasty, unjust or underhand way”. In all his skirmishes with politicians and government officials, he could show great pragmatism, but above all charity.
One of his doughtiest opponents was then minister for transport, the late Jim Mitchell, but in the end the two developed a respect, even an affection, for one another.
Archbishop of Tuam Dr Michael Neary presided at a Mass for the monsignor (1911-1986) in Knock basilica on Saturday.
As part of the centenary celebrations, an exhibition on the monsignor will open at Knock Museum on Thursday.
On a Wing and a Prayer, a musical written in his memory by Terry Reilly and Tommy Marren, will be staged in the 2,000-seater Royal Theatre in Castlebar on Thursday night (May 5th) and on Saturday night (May 7th).