The Irish priest who built an airport

Jan 20, 2026

Join Pearce Concanon, a long-time employee at Knock Shrine turned airport firefighter, as he shares captivating memories from the opening of Knock Airport in 1986. Hear about Monsignor James Horan's unwavering vision to create a gateway for pilgrims in remote County Mayo, despite skepticism and fundraising challenges. Pearce recounts the excitement of the first flights, notable visitors like Pope Francis, and the legacy left by Horan, emphasizing the monumental impact of this unique airport on the community.

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ANECDOTE

A Priest Who Mobilised A Community

Monsignor James Horan personally drove the airport project by persuading locals and appealing to pilgrims worldwide for donations.
Pearce Concanon recalls Horan's urgency: "I'm an old man in a hurry," which pushed the project forward despite delays.

INSIGHT

Pilgrimage Justified Big Infrastructure

A deeply local religious site can justify major infrastructure when it serves global pilgrims and diaspora families.
Horan turned spiritual significance into a case for economic and transport investment to reconnect emigrant communities.

ANECDOTE

Grassroots Fundraising Scaled To Millions

Horan raised the equivalent of roughly €40 million through creative fundraising, letters and grassroots collections.
The project gained international attention, including a feature on CBS's 60 Minutes, which boosted donations and profile.

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In May 1986, a new airport opened in Knock in the west of Ireland. It was the dream of an Irish priest, Monsignor James Horan, who raised millions to have it built.

The location for the airport seemed impossible – set in the boggy, foggy hills of rural County Mayo.

However, Knock attracts more than a million pilgrims every year, who come to visit the supposed site of an apparition by the Virgin Mary and other saints.

So, Horan convinced politicians that this remote western landscape could host a gateway to the world, and service the pilgrims who come to visit the shrine of Knock.

Pearce Concannon was working at the local Knock Shrine when the airport opened and remembers when Horan asked him to quit his job and become a firefighter at his new airport. He speaks to Colm Flynn.

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(Photo: Monsignor James Horan in front of the first plane to arrive at the airport. Credit: Ireland West Airport)