Bridget Jones generation discover marriage bureau

AFTER decades in which the middle-aged were the main users of Knock Marriage Bureau, the Bridget Jones generation are now discovering the Co Mayo institution.

Latest figures show it was responsible for 838 marriages and almost 48,000 introductions since it was set up 38 years ago.

Bureau director Canon Joseph Cooney revealed the age profile of applicants was falling.

“This is to be welcomed. Traditionally, the bureau was associated with an older age group but a new trend has emerged.”

He said the Church-run service appeared to be increasingly popular with people aged 25-35 as full personal profiles of potential partners are available.

“There was a time in Ireland when everyone knew everyone in the parish. That has now changed utterly. Ours is a constantly moving society and women, particularly, like to have a solid face-to-face introduction with a potential partner before getting involved.

“Knock Bureau is the only introduction service which can provide that. It’s almost like an insurance policy.”

The service, he said, was used by people from all over the country. Thirty-four Dublin women joined the service last year compared to just nine from Mayo, the next highest. Twenty-four Galway men joined compared to nine from Dublin and nine from Cork.

A total of 142 men and 104 women completed application forms in 2005.

Most men and women were aged 31-40 but 30 men and 19 women were aged 50 or over. Thirty-four were aged 60 or over.

Men joining the service are most likely to be farmers or factory workers but most women are professionals.

Many of the 838 couples who married after visiting the bureau since 1968 did so with the first person introduced to them by the service.

“I was surprised myself when I saw the figures,” Canon Cooney said.

“I suppose it goes to prove there is such a thing as love at first sight.”

He believes the matrimonial figure of 838 may be lower than the actual tally.

“The bureau steps out of the picture when couples are introduced. It is our belief that many couples who do marry fail to notify us.”

Since he assumed control of the bureau, Canon Cooney, with the aid of increased resources from the Church, has been attempting to extend its popularity.

Every parish in Ireland has been subjected to a brochure blitz and the bureau’s website has helped boost enquiries.