“When I was there last year I met this family where the nine-year-old son, who has four sisters and a mother, is the man of the house because the husband got killed in the war.”

The young people develop real friendships with each other, and face and overcome some big challenges together.

The Knock Novena is one of the greatest spiritual and cultural events in Irish life today, with more than 10,000 pilgrims taking part.

“If you play for the good of the group, then it is easier to win.”

Partnership will see St Mary’s work with JP2F4S to develop new initiatives and approaches to sports education.

“Throughout competitions I recited decades of the rosary praying as I competed. I drew on my faith to empower performance” - Gerard Hartmann.

“It has become so difficult for people to resist the culture of artificial and chemical enhancement for all kinds of performances and entertainment” - Bishop Éamonn Walsh.

"Jesus challenges our schools to prize mercy over an educational mannequin parade" - Bishop Donal McKeown of Derry.

‘Limerick: What is our Mission?’ will bring together people from the world of business, the arts, sport, politics, the heads of third level colleges and city councillors.

Of the Six Nations win for Ireland, former Irish player Tony Ward told the congregation, “What a great day for rugby and sport in general and for Ireland. It was spectacular.”

Catholic Church hands Brazilian government “Ten Rules for fair play and justice for all".

CEO would like to see other sources of revenue tapped into.