The Game They Play in Heaven?
Excerpt from an Ecclesiastical article in the Clare Herald Tuesday 12 March 2013
"To have an ordained Catholic priest amongst its players must be a rarity for any Australian Rugby club, but to have two is unheard of.
Yet that is the situation Palmyra Rugby Union Club from Perth, Western Australia, finds itself in.
The two Priests, of the Franciscan Order, are from County Clare, and are on secondment for two years to the Parish of Fremantle. The Parish petitioned the Holy See to provide additional Clergy to enable the Church to continue to service the needs of the Catholic community of the City. Fremantle, the port of Western Australia, has lost four priests in recent years due to death and retirements.
Father Dermott McCullough and Father Sean O’Donaghue, both aged thirty four, played rugby at first team level for different clubs at home, Father Dermott for Ennis Rugby Club and Father Sean for the St Senans club in Shannon.
“We’re delighted to be here “said Father Dermott, “the climate is wonderful and we have been made most welcome. Sadly, though there are many Catholics in the area, the observance of the Faith is not as strong as it is in the Republic. We aim to change that, and what better way to start than to get involved in the community, playing the sport we both love”.
The Palmyra club, although bemused and initially dubious of the Reverend Fathers’ playing ability soon had their doubts dispelled when each scored tries in their first trial match against club rivals Associates. “The coach told us that club were a bunch of Heathens, so we tried doubly hard” said Father Sean with a wicked grin.
The popular priests have been a good influence on the players, according to first team Coach Dave Ball. “There’s a lot less swearing and carousing with Dermott and Sean about, and that’s a good thing in a family club.”
In their own way the two Priests have set about changing things in the Suburban club.
“We’ve convinced the Committee to allow us to conduct an afternoon Mass at the Club rooms on Easter Sunday” said Father Dermott. “While some of the lads are resistant to giving up their beer drinking time, we’ve promised them free wine instead” he quipped.
The Reverend Fathers will be returning to the Republic in late 2014."
