Prison Chaplain Fr Fergal McDonagh said he hoped the relics would help change some prisoners' lives. This is a unique event. Maybe this is a way of giving somebody a bit of courage to sort themselves out and if that happens it's good. It will help the prisoners to realise they are part of the greater community. The chaplain, who was first contacted by the organisers of the event last year, welcomed the opportunity for prisoners to celebrate their faith with the rest of the country.
Prison is so regimented and routine that any kind of break in that routine is a huge event.
There is huge excitement and the fact that the relics are coming to Mountjoy means a lot to a lot of people. The prison has been the scene of other high profile events. Jack Charlton and members of the Republic of Ireland soccer squad visited the prison before they flew to the United States to play in the World Cup. They spent several hours posing for pictures, signing autographs and meeting people.