Matchmaking - Tradition is alive and well in Knock

THE late John B Keane, who so graphically illuminated the world of matchmaking in Sive, would be glad to know the age-old profession still thrives in Ireland.

On the eve of St Valentine’s Day, a time of secret missives between would-be lovers, it is reassuring that the Knock Marriage Introductions Bureau is still going strong. With a little help from this heavenly agency, eight matches ended in marriage last year.

Contrary to popular perceptions of doddering clients, most of the agency’s 244 applicants in 2006 were aged between 30 and 45. From a 50-50 mix of men and women, one-in-three men were farmers and over half of the women were professionals.