Sunday Game presenter's tribute to care heroes

Navan’s emergency workers and volunteers heard that it was care givers like them who had spared the country of the prospect of “Marty Morrissey taking over the Sunday game.”
At a service in St Mary’s Church on Saturday to show appreciation of the work carried out by the emergency services and volunteers in Navan, the guest speaker Michael Lyster described his deep appreciation for professionals whose diligent attention over a year ago helped him recover his pulse. Their good work mean that “Marty Morrissey would be prevented from taking over The Sunday Game!”
The 62 year old RTÉ sports broadcaster almost died last year when he had a massive heart attack, but has made a good recovery and is now back at work, presenting RTE’s coverage of GAA.
“Take Care” was the message for parishioners, members of the emergency services and volunteers who marked the Jubilee of Mercy last Saturday in Navan with a ceremony of reflection, prayer and music.
Parishioners arriving at the Fair Green were greeted by personnel from the various emergency services in the area and their vehicles from the ambulance service, Meath River Rescue, the fire service, Civil Defence, An Garda Síochána and the Order of Malta.
Fr Declan Hurley welcomed the many emergency care-givers in the town who provide valuable care and tangible signs of mercy at critical moments in life. He also welcomed individuals who provide a safe and caring environment for the sick, the elderly and school-children. The attendance also included local voluntary organisations, Meals on Wheels, St Vincent de Paul and members of the local Lourdes Hospitalité.
A reflection entitled “Beatitudes of Care-Givers” connected with many of the gathering especially the Emergency Services, uniformed personnel and volunteers from many support agencies in the town. Images on the two large screens combined with music to generate a sense of the wealth of care, kindness and mercy in the parish community.
Michael Lyster highlighted his continual sense of vulnerability. “There are no guarantees that this might not happen me again.” He expressed his deep appreciation for people up and down the country whose small acts of kindness have a lasting and valuable impact on others.