Mayo’s Monsignor for musical

Mayo’s Monsignor for musical


His story has been widely told but the tale of Mayo priest Monsignor James Horan and his campaign for an airport for the region will be told in a new form - a musical.
In November ‘On A Wing and a Prayer - The Musical’ takes to the stage for its premiere at the Royal Theatre as the story of Monsignor Horan and Knock Airport is told in word and song.
Author Terry Reilly, who wrote the best-selling book On A Wing and a Prayer, has adapted the work for a stage production that will bring to life the many herculean undertakings and amazing achievements of the late Monsignor James Horan, parish priest of Knock.
The musical traces the career of Monsignor Horan (born 1911 and died in 1986) whose life was spent addressing the spiritual and temporal needs of his flock.
Monsignor Horan transformed Knock Shrine into a major pilgrimage attraction by building up a range of amenities and erecting a major Basilica, and he was instrumental in bringing, in 1979, Pope John Paul II to mark the Centenary of the Apparition at Knock.
His last great fight, his biggest and most controversial campaign by far, was when he started, at the age of 70, to build an international airport in 1981 on what was described as ‘a foggy, boggy hill’.
Initially Government blessed his enterprise, but then did a series of U-turns as the tide of Dublin 4 opinion turned, forcing the withdrawal of Exchequer support and leaving an ageing parish priest to raise many millions to finish his final project.
He succeeded in opening his dream airport in 1986, but the effort hastened his demise and he passed away in Lourdes a few months later.
“By any measure, the life of Monsignor Horan and his commitment to his people and the region would be hard to surpass,” said Terry Reilly. “It had everything, concern for people, enterprise, colour, humour, pathos, immense energy, unique vision, victory over adversity, and much more. The objective of the musical is to transmit this wonderful Horan package to the stage in an entertaining, uplifting manner.
“Talented people from the region will take to the stage and bring Horan’s amazing work to life again in what we want to be a memorably colourful production, and all in aid of a great cause within our community,” he said.
The promoters have expressed thanks to Ireland West Airport Knock for ongoing help and encouragement in bringing the musical to the stage.
The promoters added they were very fortunate to have such a wonderful theatre at their disposal and thanked Pat Jennings of the Royal for his co-operation, help and advice which was much appreciated. Proceeds from the November shows will go to the Mayo/Roscommon Hospice.
Auditions will be held over the next few months when the best acting/singing and back-stage talent from the region will be sought. Look out for further details shortly in local press, or on www.hospice.ie or by contacting the Foundation’s office at 0035394 9388666; or www.terry-reilly.com.
‘On A Wing and a Prayer - The Musical’ will be performed at the Royal Theatre, Castlebar, www.theroyal.ie from November 25 to 28 next.