1996/99
For up to date news visit the Connaught Telegraph website.
Knock funeral contract takes off again
8 April 1998
By Tom Gillespie
A deal has been struck which will enable funerals to be flown form the UK into Knock Airport.
Ryanair had to abandon the service six months ago when cargo handlers Service Air at Stanstead Airport refused to co-operate
This let to a massive outcry form emigrant organisations who protested that the remains of loved-ones could no longer be flown directly into the West of Ireland.
It was estimated that it would cost grieving families an extra £1,000 to come into Dublin instead of Knock and travel time from Dublin would be anything up to sever or eight hours.
Now following protracted negotiations orchestrated by Mr. Tom Beisty President of the Mayo Association in London a new firm of cargo handlers have agreed to resume the service at Stanstead serving Knock Airport only.
Part of the deal is that Ryanair carry the coffin free-of-charge and there are no handling charges on the Knock side.
The Connaught Telegraph has learned that the cargo service will resume before the end of this month.
Prior to the cessation of the service in September up to three hundred funerals a year arrived at Knock Airport.
