From national rugby icon to parish priest
Saturday 31st May 2025This May, we mark 25 years since the death of a remarkable and much-loved priest of our diocese, Fr Marnie Cunningham.
Hailing from the Wilton area of Cork, Ireland, a young Marnie Cunningham began making a name for himself as a rising rugby star, winning sporting prestige as a wing forward.
Impressing coaches and colleagues alike throughout his school and university career, it wasn’t long before Marnie won national and international acclaim, bagging a regular role on the Irish rugby team and propelling the team to victory on numerous occasions.
But at the height of his sporting prowess, supported by a successful career as a civil engineer, Marnie’s life took a surprising turn as he suddenly announced his decision to become a Roman Catholic priest.
Mgr John Dale, a friend of Fr Marnie’s in his later years, never knew the reason behind this remarkable change of heart but reflected on that decision saying: “I suppose the reason he did it was because he was absolutely convinced that that was the road for him but whether there was a particular trigger, I don’t know.
“But when you think about a particular vocation, it’s all about being true to oneself and being prepared to pay the price for that sense of authenticity and integrity. Our vocation can lead us in all sorts of directions.”
But as one door closed, another door opened and Marnie moved to the seminary at Upholland, in Lancashire, to begin his training for the priesthood – all the while keeping his rugby skills intact and becoming captain of the college football team.
In June 1962, Marnie Cunningham was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Salford and instantly began charming his parishioners as he had his friends before priesthood.
Fr John said: “As a friend, he was kind, he was gentle, he was witty, he was hospitable – he had all you would want from a good friend. He was funny, light-hearted, approachable – all of that – but also hugely sensitive as a pastor. Very, very kind and sensitive and folks loved him to bits.
“He used to sit down to preach, rather than standing at the lectern. I suppose it was more of a conversational style but it was a style that won people over. He just gently encouraged them to place the Gospel into their own experience of God in their own lives.”
Undoubtedly a people person, Fr Marnie was also scholarly and Fr John paid tribute to his studious approach throughout his priesthood, particularly his reading of theology and studying of scripture.
This winning combination of a joyful, gentle ministry, rooted in a deep love of Christ, brought the light of our faith to countless people across the diocese; a light that has continued to shine in the hearts of many so many years after his death on 31 May 2000.
Fr John reflected: “I suppose the key was he didn’t have any pre-fixed ideas. He just loved people and he loved Jesus and I think he was happy within himself, and that’s why people responded to him.”
An Inspiring Legacy
As we celebrate the Jubilee for Vocations this May, the story of Fr Marnie is one that inspires many when it comes to responding to our own unique call.
A man who exchanged fame and fortune for a ministry of love and service, Fr Marnie teaches us to have courage to respond to God’s call with generosity and joy but also expect the unexpected and be ready and willing to answer God’s call with an open mind.
Reflecting on what Fr Marnie’s story can teach us about our own response to God’s call, Fr John said: “It’s about that sense of listening, of discernment. Deep listening to the presence of God in one’s own life and being true to all of that.
“That’s the key. Listen and respond. Just listen to the Holy Spirit inside oneself and be true to that.”
*In the headline image, Fr Marnie is the player in the dark top, directly behind the rugby ball*
Tagged | Vocations
