My other vivid memory of the Pope's visit to Knock that day was that there were zero, repeat zero, toilet facilties available on the day. As the day progressed, and more people arrived, (and most people had arrived down hours before the mass started) the grounds around the basilica became more and more muddy. The de facto toilet consisted of an old plough covered in tarpaulin - the shape of the plough formed a small tent-structure which provided sufficent modesty for the womenfolk. The men applied themselves to the hedges nearby - modesty bedamned. Of course, in the years since, I've been to music festivals and witnessed what true toilet-related horror can be.
Things have improved a bit since - these are the toilets at the basilica -though none of the hand-driers work (and I tried them all).
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