As the pilgrimage season at Knock Shrine is closing for this season, three stewards and one handmaid from Straide Parish have retired having reached the age limit. They are Gerry Bogue, Redhill, Ballvary (50 years’ service), Martin Sweeney, Straide (51 years’ service), John Walsh, Blanemore (34 years’ service) and Maura Deacy, Gurteen and Ballina (25 years’ service).

Also, her late husband Charlie Deacy was a steward for 25 years. We give thanks for a combined total of 185 years’ service to Knock shrine from Straide Parish. Knock Shrine always welcomes stewards and handmaids for one Sunday a month from April to October.