Fr Kenny hoping Sam Maguire will make pilgrimage of thanks to Mayo's holy mountain
Reek Sunday numbers down this year due to clash with All-Ireland final but Fr John Kenny says prayers were answered
The organiser of the annual Reek Sunday pilgrimage hopes that Sam Maguire will make its own pilgrimage to the holy Mayo mountain and give thanks for the All-Ireland victory.
Mayo's All-Ireland final with Kerry clashed with the annual Reek Sunday pilgrimage and instead of heading to Croagh Patrick many Mayo people made the pilgrimage to Croke Park in the quest to win Sam Maguire.
Fr John Kenny, the Administrator of the Westport Parish and organiser of the Reek Sunday pilgrimage acknowledged that numbers were down this year due to the All-Ireland but prayers said on the holy mountain for Andy Moran's men were answered.
“The numbers were down for two reasons – the weather and Croke Park. Alot of people went up early and a lot did the Friday and Saturday pilgrimage but certainly the numbers were down and we all know why,” he told The Mayo News.
It is a tradition that when Barcelona FC win a trophy they offer it to the Virgin of Montserrat, the patron saint of Catalonia at the Montserrat Abbey, a historic holy site near Barcelona. With Sam Maguire back in the county, Fr Kenny said he would welcome it if the famous trophy made the pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick.
“I would not be surprised if the team did that and if they do they are welcome to borrow the key of the chapel. I'm sure the lads will be busy going back to the clubs but it would be a nice feature to bring Sam up the Reek and show off the fact that whatever about this curse business it does not have any relevance anymore.
“It would be a nice feature to bring it to Croagh Patrick because it is such a part of our heritage and culture and sport is for some people. They kept the faith and their faith was rewarded on Sunday. The hope is great and the heartache is over.”
Fr Kenny said that the All-Ireland was all the talk on Sunday morning and the red and green flag was flying high on the oratory on the summit of the Reek.
“I could safely say it was the highest flag in the county, if not the country. You mightn't have been able to see the church so clearly on the way up but the flag was waving in the wind and there was a constant hymn in the background.
“There was a lot of talk and prayer about the match. The Mayo team was mentioned a few times during the course of the pilgrimage and most priests mentioned it in some capacity. We were praying for road safety and grandparents and the elderly and the third main prayer was for the All-Ireland, the people going to the match and to get there and back safely and joyfully. We can't take all the credit but their prayers certainly helped,” he said.
The weather conditions also made it very difficult for pilgrims this year and Fr Kenny acknowledged that it was dangerous at times.
“It was nearly dangerous and we kept things moving along quickly when saying Mass because we felt people were exposed in the bad weather and did not want them delaying on the mountain for too long. They came and went and it was not the kind of day for hanging around.”