Head Coach Marcus Freeman on Leadership—One Homily Worth Seeing

At today's Good Friday service, Father Michael quoted  Pope Paul the IV who said, "I would rather see a sermon than hear one." I couldn't help but think that truth characterizes what was the highlight of my most recent visit to Notre Dame. To the surprise and delight of 350 alumni and friends in attendance at the Notre Dame Alumni Association's annual leadership conference, Coach Marcus Freeman spoke on the topic of leadership. While he offered some important insights on this topic, the real message has been learned from who and what we saw. Thank you, HCMF.

We saw was a content and confident man. He smiled, he listened and made us laugh. He said a lot with a little. He made time for Q&A and to my utter delight, I offered a question of my own. He is gifted and grateful, humble and happy. We saw a great homily.

To our surprise, Coach Freeman entered in the room nearly unannounced. There was no walk up song, victory march, spotlight, fire or flags. He smiled and gave high fives to those who lined the walk-way. My friend Kristina turned around to look at my reaction. Although I smiled, I just kept shaking my head as if to say "no." I couldn't believe it and yet, I could (Is there a name for this sentiment?!). WAY TO GO NDAA!

Coach Free sat down with Dolly Duffy—executive director of the Notre Dame Alumni Association and associate vice president for University Relations—for a 20 minute conversation. He acknowledged his audience and said leaders must be adaptable. Given the reality of injury for players, the challenges of travel, weather and life events it's easy to believe he practices what he preaches.

He stressed the importance of maintaining a micro-focus on the task at hand (think one game at a time) while planning far ahead. It's his job to do both—He is the one to take the team where it needs to go. In light of that mindset, he said "you must fix the process. You hear trust the process—sure, but being adaptable means you will need to fix it, too. That's critical."

He said "good leaders are unorthodox. You go against the grain. You make those around you better." I kept thinking of what my friend Father Paul Kollman said to me at lunch that day "there's so much wisdom to be gained from sports." I'm not convinced that Marcus Freeman is a "player's coach," but he did stress that not everyone is coached in the same way. He listens to his players, especially the captains. He noted, "Their input is invaluable." 

Coach Freeman addressed the devastation of losing to Northern Illinois University (16-14) in the home opener. This loss was significant as it marked the first time a Mid-American Conference (MAC) team had defeated an AP Top 5 team. He said, "one week prior, we went into College Station and had a great win over Texas A&M. Coming off that win, I realized, we had to learn how to handle success, mentally and physically. Game two exposed that need."

He could have left the recount at that. Instead, he said "I left the office late that night. It was dark and obviously a long day. While sitting at a stoplight, I decided to count the days. I asked myself How many days have passed between our official start date and today? I realized it was 40 days. That number has incredible significance."

Coach Freeman's reflection resonates with my experience of prayer. For me, my most authentic experience of prayer is when I can connect the Word, the lived experience of God's people to events of my own life. Those connections provide solace and comfort, clarity and understanding. In Scripture, the number 40 symbolizes testing, trial, or probation. I am led to believe Coach Freeman decided to acknowledge that time as a period of hardship and yet one that is the seedbed for spiritual growth.

Coach Freeman emphasized the three pillars of his program: talent, development of that talent and culture. He said "we can control two of those three pillars. We recruit the talent and it's our job to develop it and build a culture that supports and sustains excellence. I call it the Gold Standard (TGS). It's what I want you to feel when you walk into our locker room. We are going to challenge each other. I ask every one in the building to "choose hard" and maintain a competitive spirit. You must choose love. In other words choose to put the greater good, in this case Notre Dame football above yourself."

Knowing there would be Q&A, I decided now was the time. Why? I have served on the Notre Dame Women Connect Alumni Board for the past six years, and my tenure was up. I prepared my introduction, commentary and question and raised my hand. I almost couldn't believe my luck when Dolly nodded in my direction. (think Jake Ryan nodding at Sam in Sixteen Candles. Who me?). I stood up and spoke into the microphone totally pumped and ready to share my stuff.

I said, "Coach Freeman, thank you for encouraging young people to 'Choose hard.' I think that's so important. Second, thank you for beating USC." (when my Dad met Tony Rice, he said that and I've always loved it). The crowd clapped and cheered.

I added, "you inspire so many people. Can you tell us about an athlete or someone from this season who inspires you? I know it's not easy to choose just one, but who is someone that inspires you."

I've been in the business of teaching and coaching young people long enough to know that THEY have just as much of an impact—both positive and negative—on us as we have on them. We need to hear those stories. As my Uncle Jay has told me, "inspiration comes from players to coaches, students to teachers, children to parents, kids to adults, etc., but we seldom acknowledge that." I genuinely wanted to hear what he had to say.

NDAA asked that we refrain from posting videos of Coach Freeman, but I can tell you he mentioned both Irish quarterback Riley Leonard—especially after the NIU loss and Irish safety D.J. Brown. Next time you see me, ask me about his answers and I'll say more.

The last question from the audience was about Coach Freeman's recent conversion to Catholicism. His answer was just beautiful. He said "I'm not a demonstrative or outspoken guy when it comes to my faith." His admission did not surprise me. In fact it reminded me of St Francis of Assisi who said "preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words."

What Coach Freeman did say however was "before you know, you have to trust. Trust beyond knowing. Building that trust, living in that trust—it's all a different way of saying have faith." At this point, I wasn't sure if he was talking about sport or about spirituality. Probably both. 

One of the first quotes I have my students in Sports and Spirituality write down is also from Pope Paul VI. He said, "Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses." Attending the Spring Alumni Association meeting has made me—a teacher into a witness as well. Our time with Coach Freeman was a gift. His insight on leadership, relationships, striving for excellence and faith was powerful and poignant. I heard a great homily, but what I saw will stay with me for years to come.

Photo Credits
TGS
Dick Corbett
Mass at ND

Friendship as a Contributing Factor to Rory McIlroy's Masters Championship

The conclusion of the 2025 Masters for Rory McIlroy was historic, impressive, and incredibly emotional. We witnessed him best Justin Rose by sinking a clutch birdie in sudden death. The tears McIlroy finally released after years of near-misses and disappointment resonated with viewers worldwide. I smiled watching the tender embrace with his wife and the long, loving hug he shared with his daughter Poppy. But one additional moment made me pause and take notice: on his way to Butler Cabin, McIlroy encountered Shane Lowry, and their exchange radiated the joy, beauty, and love of true friendship. In fact, I believe this friendship might have been a crucial element in McIlroy's first major victory in eleven years and his first green jacket—a fitting shade among Ireland's legendary forty shades of green.

Rory and Shane have been professional golfers for a collective 34 years (Rory in 2007 and Shane in 2009). As written by Golf.com "Lowry and McIlroy's relationship was forged more than two decades ago on Ireland's junior golf circuit. McIlroy's star ascended faster, but Lowry, a dogged competitor, worked hard to keep up. As elite professionals, they've traveled the world together and battled as teammates in international team events." They are much more that competitors on the tour. They share a common homeland, stateside residence (Jupiter, FL) and connection. As mentioned in "Full Swing" Lowry said, "I feel like I'm good for him, but he's also really good for me." I didn't need to see their shared moment at the Masters to admit they do. Plenty has transpired in the past year to reveal that truth.

In addition to a shared victory in the 2023 Ryder Cup (Europe over US 16½-11½), the Irish duo won the 2024 Zurich Classic in New Orleans. As written in the PGA.com post, 

To win any PGA TOUR event is very cool, but to do it with one of your closest friends — we’ve known each other for a long, long time, probably like over 20 years,” McIlroy said. “To think about where we met and where we’ve come from, to be on this stage and do this together — really, really cool journey that we’ve been a part of.

Evidently, the night before the final round the Irishmen received a standing ovation when they "showed up at historic, creole French Quarter restaurant Arnaud’s on the eve of their final round at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans team event." And, you might have caught sight of the two of them the night of their victory as they showed up on stage at the tournament's after party to karaoke and sing Don't Stop Believin' with their fans. I swear I saw a performance of "Sweet Caroline" as well, but I can't seem to find it.

Shane said, “He’s getting old, but he still moves the needle a little bit,” Lowry joked as McIlroy chuckled. “Rory brings a crowd and people love him and we’ve gotten a lot of love in New Orleans. We’ve had just the best week.” 

Safe to say, these two enjoyed another good week in February 2025at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. The Guardian reports, 

Rory McIlroy celebrated a hole-in-one on his way to a score of 66 in the opening round at California’s Pebble Beach Pro-Am. The 35-year-old Northern Irishman found the cup with a sand wedge on the par-three 15th hole at Spyglass Hill Golf Course and will now head into Friday’s second round two shots behind leader Russell Henley.

McIlroy’s was not the day’s only hole-in-one. Irishman Shane Lowry landed one of his own on the famous par-three seventh at Pebble Beach, with the ball landing short of the pin and rolling in. Lowry used social media site X to call it the “shot of my dreams."

The two found their way to the iconic tap room that evening where everyone in house was treated to a beverage of their choice by the Irishmen. #jealous!

In these instances, I see much of what Shasta Nelson—author, speaker and relationship expert names as the three relationship requirements in a healthy, close friendship. To illustrate the metric, she draws an equilateral triangle—with positivity at its base. Consistency and vulnerability come together at the apex. This is how she defines each side.

Positivity: The pleasant emotions we feel that makes the relationship rewarding and satisfying.
Enjoyable moments that characterize positivity include: love, trust, enjoyment, affection, enthusiasm, appreciation, silliness/fun, special, validation, happiness, excitement and hope.

Consistency: The repetition of time and behavior that makes the relationship feel reliable and safe.

Repetitive time together involves providing time and space, finding "excuses" to gather, showing the other the relationship is important to you, and so forth.

Vulnerability: The mutual sharing and listening that leaves both people feeling known and seen.

Understood as expressing the full spectrum of emotions from pride and joy to loss and failure. Can also be known though asking for help, apologizing, forgiving as well as initiating tough or challenging conversations. Vulnerability gives permission to be authentic. 

The Netflix golf reality series Full Swing, Season 3, Episode 2 entitle "Through Thick and Thin" demonstrates how Rory and Shane share a healthy and viable friendship. Rory admits, 

The tour can be a lonely place at times so to have a friend like Shane, who is always up for a laugh and always wants to do fun things—this year, more than any other year has really shown its importance to me 

I'd say the weeks that we are home, we probably see each other five times a week?! It's nice to have someone like that, to who you can pick up the phone and chat about anything—whether its about golf or stuff going on away from golf...

That's positivity, consistency and vulnerability in Full Swing ;-)

Shane added, "We've known each other probably 21 or 22 years. When you're Rory McIlroy who is the greatest player of our generation, people are not themselves around you. So you meet people and you hang out with people and they are not themselves. But, when I hang out with him, I'm just myself. I think I'm probably a breath of fresh air to his life at times where he can just get away and be himself and be normal..."

Shasta Nelson would describe Lowry and McIlroy as "relationally fit."

It was a joy to watch the Lowrys and McIlroys share the green at The Masters Par-3 contest. And hard not to love the way Shane's daughter picked up Poppy to congratulate her for putting out the hole. Perhaps all of this put Rory is a calm, clear headed state of mind for what was one of the more memorable Sunday at the Masters. The power of friendship is not to be underestimated. 

Photo Credits
Family
Talking
Video
Holding a trophy

What a "Deep Cut" Reveals

As we waited for the next session of the retreat to begin, I glanced at a sophomore I didn’t know. He was wearing a "God, Country, Notre Dame" Under Armour t-shirt.

“It’s Henry, right?” I asked.

“Yes,” he replied.

“Did your mom or dad go to Notre Dame?”

“No.”

“Oh, the reason I ask is because of the shirt you’re wearing. That one seems legit. Where did you get it?”

“I ordered it online from the bookstore,” he said.

“Huh. Well, it’s not unusual to see people wearing a Notre Dame sweatshirt or tee—look at Mark, for example. That shirt could’ve come from any store. But yours? To me, that’s sort of an insider’s pick.”

Another teacher nearby chimed in, “Ah yes, a deep cut.”

“Deep cut?” I asked.

He explained, “Deep cuts are usually early songs by an artist—tracks that might be less popular or well-known than others on the same album.”

“I love that,” I said. “Springsteen fans know a legion of deep cuts—the B-sides, the songs he let other artists record that became hits. His 1999–2000 reunion tour even centered around many of them, blending Tracks with the classics. And as Boss fans know, Tracks 2 is set to drop on June 27. Deep cut city!”

Whether it's a song, a reference to a book or movie or an article of clothing, deep cuts (which has its own entry in the Merriam-Webster dictionary) offer two insights into our humanity: authenticity and identity.

Identity
What someone believes, where they grew up, who they root for, and what they value—these all shape our sense of identity. We come to understand ourselves and others through these frameworks.

Phrases like “born and raised Catholic,” “Bills Mafia member,” “C & E Christian,” or “I bleed blue and gold” are common in both spiritual and sports communities. People aren’t shy about waving their flag, singing Hallelujah, or spending Sundays with their faith community or favorite franchise. Many of us want to be known by our tribes and traditions. It connects us. Sometimes it divides us. But it always reveals something fundamental.

Whether it’s a rare alumni sweatshirt or the belief that “lifelong Cubs fan” should be etched on a tombstone—identity matters.

Of course, our lens of identity can shift over time—as it should. Life isn’t static. A recent Notre Dame Magazine article titled "Out of Practice" Ken Woodward (a Notre Dame alum and former Newseek religion editor and Christian Smith—a sociologist on campus. 

KW: Readers like me, who came of age in the 1950s, will surely argue that there are other, stronger reasons for being religious. One would be group identity. “This is my crowd. These are my people.” Does traditional religion no longer provide group identity?

CS: For some people, it clearly does, but I think it’s more challenging now to get an identity from religion than it used to be. The boundaries are more porous. People are involved in many other communities. The internet has opened up people to the entire world. So, it’s still there, but it’s just less effective and clear.

KW: Would you say that other identities have superseded this? “I’m female.” “I’m LGBTQ.”

CS: Yes, exactly. The rise of identity politics. If you look at what people think matters for being a good American or for having a strong personal identity, very few younger generations are going to say, “I’m Catholic” or “I’m Jewish” or something like that. It’ll be much more around sex, gender, political affiliation. 

While not true for all Irish fans, wearing a Notre Dame deep cut usually signifies that "Catholic" is or was part of one's identity. I would argue that it might serve as an invitation for a conversation about that and so much more: midwest roots? working class/first generation student? Irish or Polish heritage? football fan?! etc.

When my student wore this particular IRISH sweatshirt, I had to ask her about it. I can't tell you how many of my classmates and I owned this specific sweatshirt (or its sibling which was grey with navy lettering). It's screams of 90's ND in the same way these baseball caps are now the poster child for the decade. That deep cut brought back memories for me of shopping at the former Hammes Bookstore. Turns out, her dad was two years ahead of me. "He lived in Grace Hall." (another identity marker). 

Authenticity

While not true for all Irish fans, wearing a Notre Dame deep cut often signals that “Catholic” is—or was—part of one’s identity. But it can also open the door to broader conversations: Midwest roots? Working class? First-gen college student? Irish or Polish heritage? Football fan?

For example, when I saw a student wearing a particular IRISH sweatshirt, I had to ask her about it. That sweatshirt (and its gray-with-navy-lettering sibling) was practically a uniform for my classmates and me in the ’90s. A deep cut like that brought back memories—shopping at the old Hammes Bookstore, bumping into dorm mates. Turns out, her dad was two years ahead of me. “He lived in Grace Hall,” she said. Another identity marker.

I haven’t studied identity politics or sociology in depth, but I do know this: once we begin to understand identity, we start asking questions about authenticity.

We want to know what’s real. We crave it. We want to be known—truly known—for our passions, our loyalties, our roots. Some people hold 30-year season tickets. Others reminisce about the old ballparks, long gone. We stake our pride on those loves. And we should.

That’s also why we’ve developed language for what isn’t authentic—terms like bandwagon fan or fair-weather follower. And this is where deep cuts come in.

Owning or recognizing a deep cut implies history, loyalty, and pride. It’s the T-shirt version of “I was here before it was cool.” It’s literal—people wear it on their sleeves. And it’s encoded. Not everyone gets it. That’s the point. I’m not usually a fan of the acronym IYKYK, but in this case? It fits.

For example, I once saw George Kittle and other 49ers wear a specific shirt in press conferences. I found it online and wore it to the gym. My friend Greg, a San Francisco native, saw it and said, “I love those. They used to be practice shirts. We had so many they became rags.” I told him those “rags” now sell for $199 to $299 on eBay.

For some, that’s a small price to pay to be seen as an authentic Niners fan. And given the team’s last-place finish in the NFC West this year (6–11), that shirt may speak louder now than it did after Super Bowl LVIII. IYKYK.

In conclusion, one of my favorite sweaters is a navy cardigan with the university logo on the patch. They gave them to us at graduation. I kept mine—and I wonder how many of my classmates did the same. When people compliment it, I get to tell the story.

Yes, Notre Dame is a big part of my identity. And no one who knows me questions whether I’m an authentic fan—of the Irish, the Giants, the Niners, the Warriors—or an authentic follower of my faith. These aren’t just labels. They’re deep cuts. All have been called in to question for both discussion and defense. Each one matters to me.

Photo Credits

One Way to Laugh, Think and Cry Everyday: Read

March Madness reminds us of the life and legacy of Jim Valvano, an Italian American basketball player, championship coach, and broadcaster. Not a tourney goes by without a nod to a speech he gave at the first ever ESPY awards in March 1993, Valvano was battling terminal cancer when he received the inaugural Arthur Ashe Courage Award. Those words became his legacy, and the most famous part was when he shared his philosophy for a fulfilling day. He said,

To me, there are three things we all should do every day. If we do this every day of our life, you’re going to … What a wonderful … Number one is laugh. You should laugh every day. Number two is think, you should spend some time in thought. And number three is you should have your emotions moved to tears. Could be happiness or joy, but think about it. If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that’s a full day. That’s a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you’re going to have something special.

Unbeknownst to Jimmy V, his message serves as a strong argument for the power of reading. Here's how. Here's why.

Laugh:  I was sitting in the library with a group of students I had taken on our service immersion. We had been journaling, reminiscing, answering questions and catching up, when a singular book on the shelf  caught my attention. Ball Four! I cried. Everyone looked at me. "During my junior year of high school, my US History teacher had this book on a recommended reading list. He told me it was about baseball—so that was an easy choice. I laughed out loud so many times when I read that book."

One of my students, looked at me with confusion. "You laughed out loud? Reading a book?"

"Yes. This book was significant because it was a tell-all about life inside the clubhouse. Some of the antics that the author Jim Bouton—who had been a knuckleball throwing pitcher in MLB —recalls were hilarious." I realized why she was confused.

"Have you ever laughed out loud while reading a book?" I asked

"No," she admitted.

"It's one of the best feelings. Your eyes are moving along, your mind is comprehending the words and it always takes you by surprise. Spontaneous laughter. "

I didn't want her to feel badly. I added, "This hasn't happened a lot to me, but it certainly did when I read Ball Four."

Have you ever laughed while reading a book? I know my friend Karen did when she read "A Very Punchable Face: A Memoir" by Colin Jost. She said she had tears rolling down her face it was so funny. I began to think this is another reason to encourage young people to read. Laughing out loud while reading leads to a hearty laugh. A memorable one.... one worth seeking everyday.

Think: I just attended a two day Jesuit conference on technology and transformation at Brophy College Prep in Phoenix. The Innovation Summit unpacked the school's guide to ethical and purposeful Artificial Intelligence use. The presentations and demonstrations certainly gave me a whole lot to think about. 

One of the more helpful tools was the Brophy AI Usage Guide AI Levels for Academic Integrity. This infographic resonates with my teaching philosophy and how I want to conduct my classroom. AI is not the enemy, but rather a tool that can augment student learning. Inspired by my experience, I decided I should ask AI platform "Claude" how reading helps a person think for the purpose of this post. My prompt was met with answers I expected like:

• It exposes you to new ideas and perspectives that you might not encounter otherwise. This broadens your mental horizons and gives you more conceptual tools to work with.
• Reading develops your ability to follow complex arguments and narrative structures, strengthening your analytical thinking skills.
• When you read challenging material, you're forced to make connections between concepts, which builds your synthetic thinking abilities.

But what I enjoyed reading most was the conclusion that states: "The relationship between reading and thinking is reciprocal too - the more you think about what you read, the more you get from your reading. Engaging actively with texts through questioning, connecting to your own experiences, and considering implications deepens both your understanding and your thinking capacity." 

As someone who made reading a daily habit in 2021 with my "read for 21 minutes in 2021" practice, I have to say that A.I. got it right! Thank you, Claude.

Cry: A long time fan of the author Sherman Alexie, I finally read his book Flight. I had seen this work of fiction in the hands of many of my students for years. I enjoy familiarizing myself with what they read. The common canon can offer shared insights or poignant examples for in-class discussions. About 30 pages in to book, I had no idea where the story might land. 60 pages...90 pages in.... three quarters of the way through and I still couldn't tell. Today, I found out, and it made me cry. Really cry. It was beautiful.

I consider myself an equal opportunity crier. I cry at movies and TV shows. When I hear touching stories or personal testimonies, I'm not afraid to shed a tear. I don't get choked up at everything, but from time to time I find tears to be a source of relief. I've shed happy tears and sad tears. But there is one source of tears that continues that always comes as a surprise: when I read.

I have read more books that have made me cry than books that have made laugh, but the emotion is similar. It's touching because it's so personal. To hold a text and know that the words and message and author once penned still have meaning is powerful, mysterious and dynamic. While I was alone as I was reading and crying, I felt anything but alone. I felt moved. My heart was hurting while simultaneously healing. I had to tell someone about this experience, it was so real. I'm glad I did. 

Jim Valvano brought the NC State Wolf Pack to a stunning championship title. His motto for that journey was survive and advance. Those words have their own power, but they aren't what lead to a full day. While he didn't ask a book to make us laugh, think or cry in one setting, I can guarantee it will put one of those steps in motion. Should you catch the others, and you will, put a book mark on that. Pass it on. Life is a team sport.

Photo Credits
Flight

Ireland: Saints, Scholars and Sportsmen and Sportswomen

Ireland is the land of Saints and Scholars. And on Saint Patrick's Day, Sports and Spirituality wanted to know what exactly that means and Is is the homeland of great sportsmen and sportswomen too? Here are a but a few answers. 

More than a patron saint
On several occasions today, I heard Saint Patrick referred to as the Apostle of Ireland. I could not help but pause and ponder. In my curriculum, I emphasize the importance and role of the twelve apostles. These men were chosen by Jesus and each one decided to follow Him. We know them by name. 

The twelve were sent to further and continue Christ's ministry. They went out two by two through Judea and shared the Gospel message. So how might St Patrick also be an apostle? 

The word "apostle," means "one who is sent." You can read about Saint Patrick's early life—he was taken as a slave to Ireland and many years later, returned to his home in Britain. The Irish Immigration Museum notes, 

In his Latin autobiography, Confessio, he describes the dream in which he heard the voice of the Irish people. He wrote: “They called out as it were with one voice: ‘We beg you, holy boy, to come and walk again among us’.” Soon after, St. Patrick returned to Ireland where he travelled far and wide baptising local people.

Saint Patrick felt called to serve and minister to the Irish people. Not only did he become one their great apostles, he might be their most celebrated immigrant, too!

Land of Saints and Scholars.
First, let's look at the Spiritual GOATs. If this title is to be well deserved, the number of Irish saints must be viable. 

The answer: According to The Hunt Museum, "There are 150 known Irish saints, and their lives are recorded in significant Irish manuscripts (Ganley, n.d.)." Indeed, Saint Patrick's work—establishing monasteries and converting the Irish to Christianity—laid the groundwork for Ireland’s reputation as a “Land of Saints”.

Ireland has a rich history of Christian missionaries and saints who played a crucial role in spreading Christianity throughout the country and beyond its shores. Ireland rose to prominence as a centre of learning and monasticism during the early medieval period, between the 5th and the 9th centuries.

I once had a poster that profiled Irish authors. Given that context, I had to wonder if the term "scholar" was for the purpose of alliteration or is the academic impact notable. The Hunt Museum weighs in again. 

From the early medieval period onwards, Ireland became known for its vibrant scholarship and learning. Monasteries and other religious institutions served as hubs of learning and scholarship, drawing academics from all over Europe. Irish monks and scholars were renowned for their commitment to learning, and during the Dark Ages when much of Europe saw a decline in education and literacy, they were instrumental in preserving and transmitting classical knowledge and manuscripts. Irish scholars also made significant contributions to various fields, including theology, philosophy, history, poetry, and law. Ireland earned the moniker “Island of Scholars” thanks to its intellectual prowess and scholarly endeavours.

Thus, the combination of these two aspects—holiness associated with saints and intellectual pursuits associated with scholars—led to Ireland being fondly referred to as the “Island of Saints and Scholars.” It reflects the historical significance of Ireland as a place of both religious and academic excellence. This reputation has left a lasting impact on Ireland’s cultural heritage and continues to be celebrated and remembered to this day.

For many people, their way to God is through the intellect, faith and reason, writing and scholarship. For others, it is the impact of mentors, role models and lived examples. Ireland has yielded both! What a wonderful legacy and heritage to celebrate. 

So What About Sportsmen and Sportswomen?
Before class, I took a mental inventory of great Irish athletes. While I have written about Conor McGregor before, I was disappointed that he was the first sportsman that came to mind. I know popular sports in Ireland include hurling, soccer, rugby and track and field. I recalled memories of watching Eamonn Coughlan compete in the 5000m; my Dad was always a fan. And then I realized, the Irish had found great success in golf. How could I possibly forget?! 

From Darren Clarke to Padraig Harrington, Graeme McDowell to Shane Lowry—Irish impact on the game is impressive. In fact, on St. Patrick's own feast day, Rory McIlroy won the Players Championship in a three hole aggregate playoff over J.J. Spaun. No luck of the Irish necessary, Rory came out, sans green, completely locked in. In fact, McIlroy who won is 2019 and now in 2025 has joined Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Scottie Scheffler, as the only four golfers in history to win multiple majors and multiple Players Championships. At the age of 35, he is playing some of the best golf of his life. Congratulations Rory!

My friend Tom penned a book "A Course Called Ireland" and it pays homage to not only the land of saints, scholars and sportsman, but remarkable fairways and epic greens. It's a must read, anytime of the year.

And before I forget, I need to read more about Irish championship boxer, Katie Taylor. She has been named the Emerald Isle's "most popular athlete" for eight years now. 

There is an entertaining list of athletes who are Irish American have found success in sports. It's amazing just how many people celebrate their Irish ancestry, near and far. Saint Patrick's day offers those of us who have Irish heritage and even those who don't—a day to recognize and celebrate the Irish people—their culture, values, impact, gifts and so much more. It's amazing that one man because of with faith in Christ was able to shape a nation to open its heart to love and serve God, and one another. Saint Patrick, Apostle of Ireland—Pray for us.

Photo Credits
St Patrick
Sportsmen and Women
Saints and Schoalars