Up to 2000 people attended a commemorative mass at Ballybrit Racecourse in Galway this afternoon, celebrating Pope John Paul's visit to Galway 25 years ago.
The Archbishop of Tuam, Dr Michael Neary, was chief celebrant and the Papal Nuncio, Giuseppe Lazzarotto along with Bishops and priests of the Western province took part in the Celebration.
Pope John Paul's mass at Ballybrit in 1979 was attended by 250,000 people.
Meanwhile, Pope John Paul has declared two controversial figures blessed - the last stage of beatification before sainthood.
One of them is Emperor Karl of Austria, a devout Catholic, who has been criticised for authorising the use of poison gas by the army under his command during World War One.
The other is Anne Catherine Emmerich, a 19th century German nun, whose graphic visions inspired the actor and director Mel Gibson's controversial film about the crucifixion, The Passion Of The Christ.
