31.03.2014
Thanksgiving Service for the Gift of Sport Held in St Ann’s
The 65th annual Ecumenical Service of Thanksgiving for the Gift of Sport took place in St Ann’s Church, Dawson Street, Dublin, yesterday evening, Sunday March 30. The service was attended by presidents of schools associations from all over the country as well as many students and representatives of the sporting world.
Introducing the service the Vicar of St Ann’s, Canon David Gillespie, welcomed Cllr Gerry Ashe who was representing the Lord Mayor of Dublin, and Jonathan Bell, President of the Association of Schools’ Unions.
The address was given by former Olympian and middle distance track runner, Senator Eamonn Coghlan. He spoke of what sport meant to him and stated that he had “enjoyed the thrills of victory and endured the agony of defeat”. He wondered if sport meant a person had to be the best or whether they had to give their best.
He described sport as being a microcosm of life. He said it was a short journey with 5, 10 or 15 years of competing at the highest level. “Sport is not the end result. It’s that journey and everything you learn on that journey,” the Senator contended.
He said that to be successful in sport required motivation and hard work but added that “the gift of sport is a gift received from the people who come into your life – the community you grow up in from your parents, coaches, volunteers and the mentors. These are the people who guide us on the path of life”.
Senator Coghlan also spoke about the important work done by the Children’s Medical and Research Foundation at Our Lady’s Hospital, Crumlin. A collection was taken up during the service for the charity.
The annual Ecumenical Service of Thanksgiving for the Gift of Sport began 65 years ago following discussions between the Revd George Crummy and Bob Graves, Irish rugby international. The service focuses on thanksgiving for all men women and young people whose lives have been enriched and blessed by the gift of sport, whether through active participation, patronage or through the medium of radio, television or attendance at events.
Photo caption: The Vicar of St Ann’s, Canon David Gillespie; the Revd Andrew Dougherty, Methodist Centenary Church; the Revd Alan Boal, Abbey Presbyterian Church; Senator Eamonn Coughlan, who gave the address; Robert Prole, who organises the service; and Fr Michael Foley, St Mac Dara’s College, Templeogue.