“On this special day let us renew our commitment to equality, social justice and care for all our vulnerable people, so many of whom continue to struggle for the very necessities of life.”

As head of the diplomatic corps in Ethiopia at the time of the famine, Archbishop Thomas White was responsible for coordinating the contributions of many countries and charities in support of those who were starving.

“As a tactician he was brilliant in analysing the opposition and devising strategies to overcome them - a very inspirational figure.”

Of the Six Nations win for Ireland, former Irish player Tony Ward told the congregation, “What a great day for rugby and sport in general and for Ireland. It was spectacular.”