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Pope Francis receives Eglish GAA jersey

Eglish parish priest Fr Michael Toner presents Pope Francis with an Eglish GAA jersey during a visit to the Vatican
Eglish parish priest Fr Michael Toner presents Pope Francis with an Eglish GAA jersey during a visit to the Vatican Eglish parish priest Fr Michael Toner presents Pope Francis with an Eglish GAA jersey during a visit to the Vatican

A Co Tyrone Gaelic club is hoping for some divine intervention after one of its jerseys was presented to Pope Francis.

The Eglish GAA jersey was given to the Pontiff by the village's parish priest Fr Michael Toner.

The cleric made the presentation to the Pope during a recent trip to the Vatican where he was celebrating his 25th year in the priesthood.

Brian Jordan from Eglish GAC said they were hoping it would assist the division one side.

"Fr Toner was in Italy as part of his 25th anniversary and met the Pope," he told the Tyrone Times.

"There's a vacancy for a full-forward as they haven't been doing that well of late.

"Perhaps the Pope's blessing of the jersey will bring luck to the football team and keep them in division next year.

"It's great coverage for the team and for the sponsor."

Fr Toner will also mark the anniversary of his priesthood with a mass in the parish tomorrow.