Canonisation gave politicians headaches

MORE THAN 80 prisoners were granted early release for the canonisation of Blessed Oliver Plunkett - but they were the only ones to greet the occasion with unqualified delight.

Preparations - and problems - surrounding the October 1975 event began that March when Archbishop of Armagh, Cardinal Conway, told Taoiseach Liam Cosgrave and President Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh he’d be delighted if they would attend the ceremonies in Rome.

The Taoiseach’s advisers went into a spin as the cardinal had “not averted to the requirements of protocol” and it was not clear if he was formally issuing invitations on behalf of the Pope or expressing a personal wish.