HOW little times change: 1985 -- recession, unemployment and a moving statue of the Virgin Mary in Ballinspittle, Co Cork.Fast forward 24 years: recession, unemployment and the Virgin Mary in a tree stump in Rathkeale, Co Limerick.In their hundreds and from across the country, pilgrims are flocking to St Mary's Church grounds in the west Limerick town to pray and touch the willow tree stump, which many claim depicts an image of the Blessed Virgin.Candlelit rosaries continued last night in Rathkeale and locals have pledged to keep a 24-hour vigil to ensure that nobody removes the tree stump.Workmen employed on a FAS scheme were contracted to remove the 80-year-old willow tree on Monday evening as its branches were overhanging a primary school.Chairman of Rathkeale Community Council Noel White recalled the moment the image was seen."The wood was rotten and they were cutting away when one of the lads working on it, Anthony Reddin, said, 'Look, there's the Virgin Mary.' Immediately, another one of the lads knelt down, blessed himself and began praying," Mr White said."About 30 minutes later, a crowd had gathered," he said.But scepticism remains even among the most devout of Catholics. Local priest Fr Willie Russell has said, "There's nothing there . . . it's just a tree. You can't worship a tree."Rathkeale parish priest, Fr Joe Dempsey is away on a fortnight's holidays but over 2,000 people have signed a petition to prevent the tree's removal. Those praying at the stump yesterday were in no doubt of what was before them. HopeSeamus Hogan who runs a gift and toy shop in the town said people from all walks of life arrived into Rathkeale."We had American and Swedish tourists here last night and people from all over the country. If all they are looking for in these times is hope and this is where they finding it, in a piece of wood, then God knows that is a good thing," Mr Hogan said."The Catholic Church needs something like this at the moment and if this gives hope and inspiration, then that is great. We have people suffering from cancer here, people on wheelchairs and those with walking aids, it is amazing," he added.Carmel Conway and her mother, Bridget travelled from Lixnaw, Co Kerry."I think it is real," Carmel said. "Even if it isn't, if it makes people pray, that is a good thing," she said.Pensioner James Richardson stopped off en route from St Ita's nursing home in Newcastle West, Co Limerick to a medical appointment to pray at the scene. He said he felt better having seen the stump.Local man, Frank Markham said: "It is getting young people into the church that never went. I haven't missed Mass here in over 70 years and this has strengthened my belief."Another man who asked not to be identified said he travelled from West Cork to pray to be reunited with his ex-girlfriend. "If it helps, it will have been worth it," he said.Plans are now being made to have a glass case placed around the wooded stump to protect it from the elements.