Paddy Power still catching flak for Virgin Mary prank

A mid-August marketing prank by the ever-irreverent marketers at online gambling firm Paddy Power is still creating ripples in the Irish media following criticism on social networks by the more religious members of the public.

Targeting publicity for the Mayo vs. Kerry semi-final in the All Ireland Football championship, the gambling group’s marketers went to a holy shrine near the town of Knock, where 138 years ago the Virgin Mary allegedly appeared to locals.

Without seeking permission, they created an apparition of their own, projecting a 70 ft image of the Virgin Mary holding aloft the AIF Sam MacGuire trophy on the front of the Knock basilica shrine as an inspiration for the local Mayo team to prevail.

Explaining the religious relevance of the prank, Paddy Power noted that Mayo’s historic lack of success on the Irish football pitch seemed to stem from the church, a reference to a rather mythical legend that claims the team was cursed by a priest for failing to stop and pay respect at a funeral on their way home from a match in 1951.

The image was circulated on social media, where it certainly triggered reactions both for and against the gambling group.

For the record, on August 26 Mayo defeated Kerry and goes through to the finals.

See the Knock basilica image here: