A marriage website run by the Catholic church is to shut down after over 50 years of match-making.

'Knock Marriage Introductions', formerly known as the Knock Marriage Bureau, has been responsible for introducing couples since 1968.

The church said that "many" of them went on to become husband and wife.

The website, which includes a number of questionnaires, has been responsible for 960 marriages.

These questions included queries about the size of an individual's farm, and whether or not they would describe themselves as "a religious person".

It also asked people if they had any physical disabilities or deformities - and also what distance they would be prepared to travel to meet a "suggested partner".

Applications were also to contain a full length postcard size photograph taken within the last 12 months, and a €200 payment - which covered one year's membership.

"If a suitable introduction has not been made within a 12 month period a candidate can reapply but must renew their subscription of €200", the service's website said.

All suggested introductions were also made by telephone, and photographs were not sent to any of the applicants.

The service was based at the Knock Shrine in Co Mayo, in the Archdiocese of Tuam.

Internet and online dating

It was set up by Fr Michael Keane when emigration was rife and most of the means of communication we take for granted today were practically non-existent.

The Catholic church said: "The advent of the internet and online dating agencies, and apps have made it possible for people to meet a partner literally at the touch of a button.

"Many of the couples who met through Knock Marriage Introductions commented on the personal nature of the service and that they felt safe and secure being able to speak to someone in confidence at the end of a phone."

But it said there has been "a noticeable decline" in demand in recent years for the service.

The church added that it is "no longer viable" to run the service.

"The annual subscriptions from clients who have used the service have had to be supplemented in recent years by donations from dioceses around Ireland," it explained.

"Obviously this is not sustainable long term. It is for these reasons that the board of directors of Knock Marriage Introductions have decided at a recent meeting to wind down the agency."