Richard de Courcy, at 90 years old, is Ireland's oldest active bell ringer, having dedicated over 60 years to ringing the bells of Christ Church Cathedral in Waterford. Despite his age, he continues to participate in the Sunday service bell ringing, attributing his longevity to the physical exercise it provides.
Richard de Courcy, Ireland 's oldest bellringer at 90 years old, has been ringing the bells of Christ Church Cathedral in Waterford for over 60 years. Still an active member of the bell-ringing team, de Courcy attributes his longevity to the exercise bell ringing provides. 'When you're ringing you're warming yourself, whether it's cold or not. It's great aerobic exercise,' he explains. De Courcy retired from his career in 2000, but his love for bell ringing continues to this day.
He still rings every Sunday at 9:30 am for the 10 o'clock service, participating in a 25-minute session. 'I'm still ringing bells every Sunday at 9.30am for the 10 o'clock service. We ring for 25 minutes. All the people ringing love ringing. We’ve got 13 regular ringers in Waterford,' he shares. De Courcy acknowledges that the work can be physically demanding, depending on the weight of the bell. 'It depends on the weight of the bell, of course. We have eight bells and the heaviest one is a tonne and a pound. Now that I’m 90 I only ring the lighter ones,' he admits. Looking back on his life, de Courcy reminisces about a simpler time, saying, 'There were very few cars on the road, no buses, plenty of bicycles. And then during the war there were shortages. Anything imported, you couldn’t get. A lot of people grew their own vegetables. There were no supermarkets. You couldn’t hop down to get a ready-made dinner. We didn’t know any different, and we were very happy. I still am.
BELLRINGING IRELAND OLDEST RICHARD DECOURCY CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL WATERFORD BIRTHDAY EXERCISE TRADITION
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Otherworld by Lisa M Bitel: A joyous selection of Ireland’s oldest, lesser known folk talesNo Sally Rooney-type introspection in epic stories dating from Iron Age in this enchanting collection
Read more »
Ireland's Oldest Man, a Holocaust Survivor, Marks 80th Anniversary of LiberationJoe Veselsky, Ireland's oldest man, will mark the 80th anniversary of his liberation from Auschwitz on Monday. He survived the horrors of the Holocaust and later fled Czechoslovakia for Ireland, where he built a successful life.
Read more »
Latest Enterprise Ireland and trade figures underscore Ireland’s vulnerability to US protectionismIncoming US president Donald Trump says he will use tariffs, or at least the threat of tariffs, to improve the US trade balance
Read more »
League of Ireland Players Can Earn €7,000 Bonuses Through PFA Ireland AwardsA growing number of League of Ireland clubs are offering substantial bonuses to players who receive recognition through the Professional Footballers Association of Ireland (PFA Ireland) awards. These bonuses, ranging from €1,000 to €7,000, are contingent upon players having the bonus clause in their contracts and being selected for the PFA Ireland Team of the Year or winning the Player of the Year award. This revelation has prompted the PFA Ireland to implement changes to its voting process to ensure greater accuracy and fairness.
Read more »
Storm Herminia Brings Multiple Weather Warnings to Ireland and Northern IrelandStorm Herminia is approaching Ireland and Northern Ireland, prompting multiple weather warnings. Met Éireann issued wind and rain warnings for various counties in the Republic of Ireland, while the UK Met Office issued a snow and ice warning for Northern Ireland. The warnings come after the devastation caused by Storm Eowyn and advise of potential strong winds, heavy rainfall, snow showers, and icy patches, leading to dangerous travel conditions.
Read more »
Ireland v England: Simon Easterby puts his stamp on side with Ryan Baird selectionThe former Ireland number six knows the threat Ireland face at the lineout from England
Read more »