Shamlog

Singing priests pen £1m record deal

Three Catholic priests from Northern Ireland today signed a £1m recording contract with major label Sony BMG.Father Eugene O’Hagan, 48, his brother Martin, 45, and their old school friend David Delargy, 44, who all hold parishes in the diocese of Down and Connor, penned the deal by the steps of London’s Westminster Cathedral. The singing trio are collectively known as The Priests and said that they would give any money which they earned from making music to charity.

The group have it written into their contract that they will be allowed to break off from promotional duties to deal with parish work such as funerals. Fr Eugene, of the Parish of Ballyclare and Ballygowan, described signing the deal as “God’s design”. He added that the trio have not yet decided which charities will benefit from their musical talents. Fr Martin, of the Parish of Cushendun, explained the reason behind the special exception clause in their contract which allows them to carry out their parish duties. He said: “Our work means a great deal to us. We are priests first and foremost. Our work will be at the heart of our plans.” Fr David, of the Parish of Hannahstown, added: “Singing is very much what we do. This is bringing it to a wider audience. We are singing sacred music, continuing what we have always been doing.”

The group described their musical tastes as “very Catholic” adding that Il Divo were amongst their favourite acts, while Fr David named ‘Parallel Lines’ by New York Punk/ New Wave outfit Blondie as the first ever record he bought. The trio were heard singing by an Irish pop musician who asked them to make a demo which he took to Sony BMG. Nick Raphael, managing director of Epic Records, part of Sony BMG, negotiated the signing. He said: “Their voices are incredible. I said: ‘I think we’ve found three pop stars’. I’m extremely excited. They’re going to record their record. They’re going to be wonderful global superstars. The reaction has been incredible, huge.

“The quality of their singing is quite scary.”

The priests’ forthcoming record, which they said is as yet un-named, is planned for release around November.

Ireland’s entry to this year’s Eurovision song contest is a puppet. Dustin the Turkey from Childern’s TV show the “Den”.

He’s hilarious, especially funny over the years and as famous as Bono in Ireland but has state TV gone mad. Ireland has won SEVEN Eurovision’s, the most by any country. Riverdance exploded from the telecast some years ago during a break from the contest action. It seems like a kick in the teeth of the home grown music industry as pointed out by Phil Coulter, Shea Healy and other songwriters.

Here’s the video (click the pic) including the judging,  I think the finals will be “big news” at least in Ireland and on the turkey farm in Donnybrook.

For more information, tickets, schedule and ways to lend a hand,

Fort Collins Irish Festival