Marty to lead the faithful at Knock

PILGRIMS to this year’s Knock novena are set to be treated to the Gospel according to Marty, as RTÉ broadcaster Marty Morrissey has agreed to speak at the event.

His audience in Mayo will be given a brief and to-thepoint message: ‘Count your blessings.’

The novena runs from August 14-22 and Marty, pictured, is speaking on the 16th. ‘I’m no holy Joe,’ the 58-year-old told the Diary.

‘I’m as much of a sinner as the next man. But as the theme of the week is living life to the full and that is what I’ll talk about.

‘I’m a glass-half-full kind of person who has been very fortunate to achieve more or less what he wanted in life. I will advise those listening to me to be happy with their lot, concentrate on enjoying what they have and not to be worrying about what they don’t have.’

The invitation to speak at the novena caught Marty by surprise.

He explained: ‘The parish priest of Knock rang me. I was convinced it was a wind-up but he then told me that Bryan Dobson had previously spoken at the novena.

‘It so happened that right at that moment I was in the newsroom editing a piece for the Six One News and Bryan was stood right beside me. I agreed to the gig when Bryan told me it was an opportunity I shouldn’t miss out on.’

Even though he will be in their territory, Marty revealed he would not be praying for Mayo footballers to end their All-Ireland football hoodoo that stretches back to 1951.