First breakthrough - Knock

The new Latin Mass Society of Ireland was crowned briefly with one success - Archbishop Cassidy of Tuam granted permission for an annual Mass at Knock Shrine.  This was to take place on the first Saturday of September, beginning in 1990.  Since then, the only year that did not take place was in 2001, of which more anon.

The society took a definitive shape, with Rev Pádraig Ó Fithchill became chairman.  The bulk of members of the new society knew little of the background of the late Father Ó Fithchill and this was to become a source of controversy later.  For the moment, the embryonic society could pride themselves in an early success.  Mass took place in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel in Knock in September that year followed by Stations of the Cross and finished with Benediction.  This would be the standard format for these Masses as time went on, complete with a carriage booked on the Dublin train for a group from Ss Michael and John's, or its successor chapels.