Image copyright Irish Dominicans Image caption Brother Philip Mulryne prostrated himself in front of the altar at Saturday's ordination service in Dublin

A former Manchester United footballer from west Belfast has been ordained as a deacon in the Catholic Church.

Philip Mulryne won 27 caps for Northern Ireland in a career that included spells with Norwich City and Leyton Orient.

The former midfielder was ordained by the Archbishop of Dublin, Diarmuid Martin, on Saturday.

The 38-year-old is a member of the Dominican Order and is expected to be ordained as a priest next year.

Family and friends were in attendance at Saturday's event in Dublin's Saint Saviour's church.

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Mulryne made his debut for Manchester United in 1997 after progressing through the youth team.

He was unable to forge a lengthy career with the so-called Red Devils and moved to Norwich City in 1999, but his time at Carrow Road was plagued by injuries.

Image copyright Irish Dominicans Image caption Philip Mulryne is a member of the Dominican Order

Image copyright Irish Dominicans Image caption Mulryne (third from left) was ordained by Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin

Image copyright Pacemaker Image caption The west Belfast man was capped 27 times for Northern Ireland, scoring three goals