We had only moved into our new house a week or two before – Castleknock, September 1979. Mammy woke me up. It was still dark. First thing I heard was the kitchen downstairs abuzz. My aunt Kathleen and uncle Michael and maybe a few others were chatting away below, all enjoying a big fry-up. The only time we had a big fry-up was on special occasions or of a Sunday before a match. I was six and a half, so I only remember the day in flickering patches. Like walking at dawn with Mam, Kathleen and Michael. We hadn’t far to walk, only about two and a half miles to the Phoenix Park.

Everybody marching in the same direction. Turning left onto the Caslteknock road and into the park. The clunking sound of shoe leather on tarmac mixed with a controlled din of chatter. My ticket was a small blue and white one. I’m wearing a red anorak. We were put into sections according to the colour of our ticket. A few hours later and there’s a big cheer. “The Pope is in that plane,” they all said. Trying to spot the popemobile. It was a long day. At home, dad bragging he got nearer to the altar by going later with baby Pauric. After that, nothing. Zilch. That’s my snapshot slideshow of memories of Saturday 29 September 1979, the day Pope John Paul II celebrated mass in the Phoenix Park.

I’ll tip down to the park again this August to see Pope Francis. Doubtful there’ll be a million people there this time but there will be a few hundred thousand I’d guess. It will be a mix of people going along for a variety of reasons. But his visit is divisive. He is effectively the CEO of the Catholic Church, whose hierarchy were complicit in this country and beyond in hiding and covering up child abuse. The remnants of those scandals remain raw. It is the reason why many will keep away. That is understandable. The Vatican and the church must be held accountable for their actions.

But is it fair to inextricably link this visit with the historic or indeed contemporary shortcomings of the church? The visit of John Paul 39 years ago revives nothing but positive anecdotes, sound bites and images. It was about more than just religion for the country.

Pope Francis’ visit later this year, while not dismissing the protestations of many, should also be allowed the opportunity to create a national atmosphere of positivity and happiness for those who will go along to see him. CL

Growing dairy

industry puts strain

on sustainability

From the first time I met Professor Patrick Wall, I have always been impressed by his common sense. And he was at it again, addressing Nuffield Scholars last Friday. In endorsing the warnings from Commissioner Phil Hogan to the dairy industry to be careful about over production, Professor Wall used the example of the farmer milking 125 cows five years ago, still milking 125 cows today. He is made feel like a failure when in fact he could actually be seen as the clever fellah, he opined.

It is a very timely observation. Bord Bia will claim that the increase in demand for Irish food globally is in no small thanks to this image of “clean and green”. But could it become a victim of its own success? In ramping up production to meet customer demand, inevitably we are putting more pressure on water tables, with growing stock numbers and fuller slurry tanks. As a result, any legitimate claim to be more sustainable and different to the rest becomes questionable. A case of “be careful what you wish for”!