An absolute classic, in fairness to it.
This is it lads. The moment we’ve been waiting for. After years of deliberation and discussion, we finally have a decisive answer.
Ladies and Gentlemen, the people of Ireland have voted for the nation’s favourite prayer, and the Hail Mary has come out on top.
People in attendance at the 88th National Ploughing Championships were invited to vote for Ireland’s favourite prayer as part of the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin’s presence at this year’s event, and it was the Hail Mary that took home the gold.
The Hail Mary (or ‘sé do bheaha, a Mhuire’, if you’re a Gaeilgeoir), received 61% of the vote by attendees, while O Angel of God (the Guardian Angel Prayer) received a very respectable 39%.
According to CatholicBishops.ie, Bishop Nulty spoke about the hunt for the country’s number one prayer, saying: “Our visitors always appreciate gifts of blessed salt and wristbands, and our various wall displays. Despite so much activity at our stand, many people value a little quiet time too, in prayer.”
Nulty also said that he was “overwhelmed” by the response to try and find Ireland’s favourite prayer.
Now we just need to figure out the country’s favourite hymn. Maybe next year’s Ploughing Championship will give us the answers.
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