Approximately 6,000 pilgrims gathered on Achill Island, Co Mayo today to hear a message from the Virgin Mary.
The message was delivered by Ms Christina Gallagher who claims to have received it from the Virgin Mary during a previous vision. Witnesses said Ms Gallagher told pilgrims of impending calamities that would be sent by God and also about the end of the World.
However, Ms Gallagher did not give details about the timing of these calamities or when the end of the World would occur. She told pilgrims she was precluded from doing so.
Many in attendance were believed to be distressed after hearing Ms Gallagher's message.
Ms Gallagher has run a prayer centre called the House of Prayer since 1993, which is in a former convent overlooking the Atlantic The centre generates an estimated €635,000 annually for the local economy and attracts 10,000 pilgrims each year.
Ms Gallagher claims to have "been given a divine insight into the future of Ireland and mankind" by the Blessed Virgin. Reports of healings and conversions at the centre have been investigated by the Catholic Church. A commission set up by the church decided that it had found no evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that "supernatural phenomena" happened at the House of Prayer.
At least three "healings" were reported during today’s events.
Ms Theresa O'Malley, the head of news at Mid-West Radio, told ireland.comthat a spokesperson for Ms Gallagher said the Virgin Mary had given Ms Gallgher "promises" and told her to announce them on July 25th. The spokesperson also said that claims that the Virgin Mary would appear were speculative and that the media had made too much hype about what was going to happen.
A garda spokesman said that 6,000 people have arrived on the island. A local source told ireland.comthat there is "absolute bedlam" as people try to leave the island in cars and buses.
The arrival of pilgrims to the island has given a much needed boost to the local economy following the poor tourist season so far. Ms Karen Grealis, manger of Achill Tourism, said that nearly all the accommodation on the island was full.