Where were you on 30 Sep 1979?

Date Published: 24-Sep-2009

THERE are certain dates from the past that have become indelible in the memories of people the world over. The question ‘where were you when’ … John F Kennedy was shot dead in Dallas on November 22, 1969 or on September 11, 2001 when terrorists attacked the Twin Towers in New York, will inevitably conjure up vivid memories of those unforgettable events in world history.

For Irish people and in particular Galwegians, September 30, 1979 is one such special date. On this the eve of the 30th anniversary of the visit by Pope John Paul II to Galway, many of the estimated 275,000 pilgrims who are still alive today will be reminiscing on Gthe occasion that was then described as “the most joyous moment in Galway’s history”.

The crowds had begun arriving in Galway on the Friday and Saturday nights in anticipation of the papal visit on Sunday morning, when the popular pontiff made the well-remembered “young people of Ireland, I love you” speech during Mass, which was specially dedicated to young people in Ireland.

At about 10.30am, the orange Bell helicopter circled Ballybrit twice before landing, to the delight of the massive crowd who had waited patiently through the night for his arrival.

The pontiff was then escorted to the weigh-room along a red carpet where he vested in special robes before making his way to the 40-foot high altar, behind a 600 yard long procession of priests and after mass he was driven through the crowd along a zig-zag route, so that the maximum number of pilgrims would catch a glimpse of him.

The exact moment when the pope’s helicopter appeared through the overcast sky, is one that will live with Shantalla native Dominick Burke forever. Dominic was head commandant of the local branch of the Irish Red Cross and was responsible for up to 200 volunteers, including 60 from Galway, who were on-hand at Ballybrit to administer first aid to anyone who needed it.

Seeing the pope’s helicopter was memorable firstly because the sun began to shine through the grey clouds at the exact moment the pope appeared – “it was as if god had appeared himself,” recalls Dominic. But also for the effect that first glimpse of the pope had collectively on the crowd, many of whom collapsed and fainted in awe.

“I remember when…