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17th May 2019

Knock Marriage Introductions closes after 50 years in operation

Rudi Kinsella

Knock marriage

One of Ireland’s longest-running matchmaking services is set to close.

Knock Marriage Introductions, based at the famous Marian Shrine in Knock in Mayo, claims to be responsible for almost 1,000 weddings since it was established back in 1968.

But it appears as though the well-known site won’t crack that thousand mark, as it looks set to close its doors.

According to RTÉ, a fall off in demand in recent years has led the site to its closure.

The purpose of the service, which was formerly known as Knock Marriage Bureau, was initially to bring couples together from all across Ireland.

The website claims that no “definite promise can be made that all those who apply to us will find a life partner; but all who register can be sure that every effort will be made to help them”.

In a statement issued to RTÉ, the Catholic Church claimed that a fall off in clients meant that demand no longer existed for the type of service it provided.

It also said the annual subscriptions from clients who have used the service in the past have had to be supplemented in recent years by donations.

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