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Galway Advertiser 1979/1979_09_27/GA_27091979_E1_008.pdf
PAPAL VISIT CHANGES FACE OF BALLYBRIT
When pilgrims go to Ballybrit on Sunday they will find it hard to believe that the famous racecourse is used for anything else but Papal visits! The impressive altar (built over the 'outside' Tote) now dominates the entire area and as the squared corrals take their final shape the once familiar 60 acre site looks entirely different. A network of 20 ft. and 40 ft. roads criss-cross the area. About one acre around the altar is tarmacadamed amd eight new access roads have been made into Ballybrit. The Papal throne and the lectern will come from Galway Cathedral and these will be placed on a specially commissioned V'Soski-Joyce carpet made in Oughterard. The altar will be heavy mahogany framed, fitted with Connemara marble panels. Underneath the altar the main first aid centre is situated; there are two others on the course. An international press centre, catering for an estimated 500 visiting journalists is located under the Corrib Stand. This centre is equipped with 100 telephones, 30 telex machines, darkroom and wire-photo facilities. Refreshments will be provided from six marquees. Toilets and 20 first aid units will be interspersed with the congregation. The only structure to remain after the visit will be the tarmacadam Surrounding the 'outside' Tote
Y s t r u c t u r e t o r e m a i
The Bishop of Galway, Dr. Eamon Casey shows the Mass rock at Ballybrit to his Eminence Cardinal Tom O Fiaich. Tradition holds that Mass was said there in penal times. In the background is the altar where His Holiness Pope John Paul II will celebrate Mass on Sunday.
P The final touches being put to the huge altar built over the Tote office in the 'outside' area. The situated underneath the altar. be
The site foreman, Mr. Peter Hillary, discusses with P. J. Browne the many vantage points to the altar,
Seamus Faherty helping to lay the carpet which will cm
er approximately one quarter acre.
Christy Burke, Willie Keane and Mark Lolly preparing one of the new roadways near the altar.