A new national association for Catholic grandparents has been launched.

The founder Catherine Wiley says the association plans to become a voice for grandparents in the church and also in society.

Mrs. Wiley from Co. Mayo has ten grandchildren and established the National Grandparents Pilgrimage at Knock Shrine two years ago.

'Grandparents are often the glue binding the family during and after marital breakdown. They bring children to school, pass the faith onto them and frequently are the ones children can turn to at difficult times in their lives', said Mrs. Wiley.

The association will be formed at parish level around the country.

The launch of the new association took place at the National Grandparents Pilgrimage at Knock Shrine in County Mayo.