Saturday, August 25, 2007
Given puts holy water in goal
Prior to every game he plays, Republic of Ireland and Newcastle keeper Shay Given places a vial of Lourdes holy water at the back of his goal as a lucky charm.
Apparently, the water carries with it powers that many Roman Catholics ascribe to the Lourdes spring, where apparitions of the Virgin Mary first appeared in 1858.
Given also takes a picture of his late mother wherever he goes.
"He's been doing it since he was small," revealed his father Seamus.
"I don't know how much he remembers her because he was so young when she died, but he doesn't want to forget about her."