Northern Ireland

Image of Liam Neeson as altar boy published after details of involvement with prayer app are revealed

Liam Neeson, in the foreground, with Fr John Barrett and Martin Diamond at a wedding in All Saints Church, Ballymena, in the early 1960s. Eugene Diamond/X
Liam Neeson, in the foreground, with Fr John Barrett and Martin Diamond at a wedding in All Saints Church, Ballymena, in the early 1960s. Eugene Diamond/X Liam Neeson, in the foreground, with Fr John Barrett and Martin Diamond at a wedding in All Saints Church, Ballymena, in the early 1960s. Eugene Diamond/X
By John Breslin

An image has emerged of a very young Liam Neeson as an altar boy helping out during a wedding in the early 1960s.

The photograph, of Mr Neeson with fellow altar boy Martin Diamond and Fr John Barrett, was published after details were revealed of the actor’s involvement in a Catholic prayer and meditation app specially produced for advent.

It was taken during the wedding officiated by Fr Barrett, who spent many years at All Saints Parish in Ballymena as well as Loughgiel. One of two Loughgiel Shamrocks pitches is named after Fr Barrett.

Previously, an image was published of the Taken, Michael Collins and Schindler’s List actor with fellow members of the All Saints Boxing Club, taken some time in the mid-1960s.

Liam Neeson, pictured on the right shoulder of Fr Alex Darragh of All Saints Amateur Boxing Club in Ballymena. Picture from Eugene Diamond/X
Liam Neeson, pictured on the right shoulder of Fr Alex Darragh of All Saints Amateur Boxing Club in Ballymena. Picture from Eugene Diamond/X Liam Neeson, pictured on the right shoulder of Fr Alex Darragh of All Saints Amateur Boxing Club in Ballymena. Picture from Eugene Diamond/X

The picture of the 71-year-old Mr Neeson as an altar boy was posted by Ballymena newsagent, Eugene Diamond, brother of Martin.

“This mornings Irish News has a story of Liam Neeson voicing a Catholic Advent app’s ‘quiet reflections’,” Mr Diamond wrote on social media.

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“The wedding picture from 1960s shows Liam as a alter boy in All Saints chapel Ballymena The picture belongs to my brother Martin the other alter boy in the picture…..”

Liam Neeson with fellow Hallow app contributors Sister Miriam and actor James Heidland
Liam Neeson with fellow Hallow app contributors Sister Miriam and actor James Heidland Liam Neeson with fellow Hallow app contributors Sister Miriam and actor James Heidland

Mr Neeson narrates readings from Belfast-born CS Lewis, the author of the Narnia tales, including The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe for the Hallow app, currently at number three for Apple downloads in the reference section.

A devout Christian for much of his life, Mr Lewis was an adherent of the Anglican church.

Speaking of his involvement, Mr Neeson said his readings will "help guide folks through some beautiful meditations", adding it was an "honour" to take part. 

C.S Lewis, whose work is being read by Liam Neeson for the Hallow Catholic prayer app.
C.S Lewis, whose work is being read by Liam Neeson for the Hallow Catholic prayer app. C.S Lewis, whose work is being read by Liam Neeson for the Hallow Catholic prayer app.

Questioned whether he found joy and peace while the narrating the words for the Hallow app, Mr Neeson said it was important to absorb the prayer, that it doesn’t happen after saying it one time.

He added: “The more you repeat it the deeper you go into it and the more profound the message is.”