FORMER Manchester United footballer Fr Philip Mulryne is to speak about his journey from the Premier League to the priesthood when he appears on the BBC's Songs of Praise.
Fr Mulryne, who grew up in Lenadoon in west Belfast, played under Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford and also represented Northern Ireland at international level.
However, he became disillusioned with his life as a professional footballer despite playing at the highest level and earning huge sums of money.
He was ordained a priest for the Dominican Order in July last year and is now based in Newbridge, Co Kildare.
An online advert for the programme states: "Philip fulfilled the dream of many a youngster in Northern Ireland by being signed up to Manchester United as a teenager.
"After developing his game around the likes of David Beckham, he had many successful seasons with Norwich City and enjoyed all the trappings of fame and fortune but as he reached the end of his 20s he realised there was something missing.
"He tells about his journey to finding fulfilment in the Christian faith which led him to the priesthood and even a vow of poverty."
The programme will be aired on BBC One on Sunday at 3.55pm.
