Dear Editor, I was delighted to read Cathal Barry’s interview with the impressive Donncha O’Callaghan in the Christmas edition of the paper (19/12/13). It was a joy to read of the pride the Munster rugby player has for his faith and the “inner peace” prayer brings him.
I was pleased to read that the fame that seems unavoidable for so many high profile rugby players nowadays has not gone to Donncha’s head. It is clear, from reading the interview, that Donncha’s family and charitable efforts overseas have kept him grounded and he should be commended for that.
Donncha is the perfect role model for Ireland’s youth and as a married man with three young children, he clearly demonstrates Catholic family values in a society that increasingly forgets the importance of them.
He is also the perfect role model for his peers on the rugby pitch it seems, and I am glad to hear he regularly prays before and after matches. It’s clear Donncha is aware of how privileged he is and prayer is the perfect way to prove his appreciation for this.
We need more people like Donncha O’Callaghan in the public eye.
Yours etc.,
Eileen O’Meara,
Macroom,
Co. Cork.