The Republic of Ireland’s men’s football team have started praying together before matches. 

Manager Heimir Hallgrimsson revealed in a press conference that the prayers have been led by Conor Coventry, who has now been nicknamed “Brother Coventry”. 

The defensive midfielder, who plays club football for Charlton Athletic in England’s Championship, is Catholic. He is a parishioner of Our Lady of Lourdes, Wanstead, according to Irish broadcaster Michael Kelly. 

Hallgrimsson told reporters: “Before we go onto the pitch we do a little prayer in a huddle with all the players and the staff, just to cool our heads. 

“It’s really good when you go into high-intensity games, to start the game with cool heads instead of motivating yourself by shouting at each other” 

The manager added that it gives the team “clear focus when we go onto the pitch”.

There have been tensions around the team’s recent fixtures. Games played against Israel in this international window have been played at neutral venues. Republic of Ireland players have faced calls to boycott the games because of the Israel-Gaza war.