This airport is also known as Horan International Airport in honour of the man whose clear-sightedness and stubbornness made this project possible. In the 1950s it was first planned with a grass runway. However, since Mgr James Horan was convinced that the Pope's visit to Knock in 1979 would attract more pilgrims than expected, a much bolder project was launched. In spite of public reluctance, the airport was inaugurated in 1985.