Praying before playing

December 7, 2022 in Featured News, News

Two Belvedere College SJ alumni feature in a new book on faith and sport. All-Ireland football medal winner Ger Brennan and former Meath football manager Sean Boylan were interviewed by Gerard Gallagher for his book Faith in Search of Greater Glory in Sport. The title is a play on the Jesuit motto Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam – For the Greater Glory of God. (See photo of the author presenting his book to Pope Francis.)

In this interview with Pat Coyle of Irish Jesuit Communications Ger talks to 25 men and women from all different sports including rugby, boxing, hurling, soccer, and Gaelic football. He tells her if and what they pray for before a game, how they view their spiritual path and what role faith plays in their lives, and the sport they all excel in.

As well as those with a Jesuit connection the author interviews people like Josh van der Flier, the 2022 World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the year. Other interviewees include the chaplain of Manchester United and world champion boxer Katie Taylor.

The book has recently been listed in the top ten best sportsbooks by the Irish Times. It’s published by Hero press and costs €20.