IRISH civilisation as we have known it has come to an end. Who would have thought the Garda authorities would have to put the muscle on rank and file members to support the annual pilgrimage to Knock? And yet Assistant Commissioner Pat O'Toole has been moved to notify members that in recent years, the pilgrimage has not been well attended". The significance of the spiritual in the life of the force is central to its mission as guardians of the peace and he appealed for a special effort to be made this year, the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Garda Siochana. He also gives some practical advice: "Members in uniform should take their waterproof coasts (sic) with them as a precaution against inclement weather". What inclement weather in Mayo? At the end of May?