MBEs for singing trio The Priests ‘came out of blue’
SINGING trio The Priests say they are “hugely honoured” to have been awarded MBEs by the Queen.
Fr Eugene O’Hagan alongside his brother Fr Martin O’Hagan and their friend, Fr David Delargy, have been rewarded for their services to music and charity in Northern Ireland.
Eleven years after signing a recording contract with Sony, the classical music sensations — who are all full-time clergymen — have enjoyed a remarkable chart-topping musical career on both sides of the Atlantic.
The multi-platinum sellers’ first album in 2008 sold more than three million copies, making it the fastest-selling classical debut of all time.
Last year The Priests performed at the Festival of Families concert for Pope Francis in front of an audience of 75,000 people in Dublin’s Croke Park.
Fr Eugene (60) is one of two vicars-general in the Diocese of Down and Connor and also diocesan chancellor. Speaking from the family home in Londonderry yesterday, he said the honour had come “completely out of the blue”.
“While this is being given to us for our music and charity outreach, it’s also recognition that music crosses all boundaries especially in our own society which has in the dim and distant past been affected by all kinds of prejudices,” he said.
“Like sport, music has been able to drive a road through that and it has been a great experience for us in helping to do that.”
Fr Eugene said he is hoping the honour will be a chance for the group to meet the Queen for the third time.
“We first met her at Hillsborough Castle with President Mary McAleese and then again at Buckingham Palace at a gathering of Irish artists and musicians ahead of President Michael D Higgins’ visit to Britain in 2014.
“On that occasion she spoke with us directly for a good 20 minutes. At the end of it she said that she should have asked us to sing but then added that it would be a pleasure postponed to another time.
“We asked if the corgis would be joining us but she said they would be too frightened by the crowd. We also chatted about Pope Francis, whom she was due to meet later in that week.”
Fr Martin (56), who is PP of Newtownards and Comber, was the first of the trio to receive the news.
“When I got the letter I had to sit down and take stock. I didn’t hear from the other two for a while but they were very gracious until they realised that they had got one too.”
Ballymena man Fr David (56), who is in charge of the Lough Shore parishes, said the MBE was “a very big surprise”.
“It’s a compliment which is sincerely meant and coming from the Palace makes it doubly special,” he added.
Bishop of Down and Connor Noel Treanor said yesterday: “The Priests, who have nurtured their wonderful gifts and talent for music from their early days together as students in St MacNissi’s, Garron Tower, through their period of priestly formation in seminary, and in subsequent years alongside their priestly ministry within the Diocese of Down and Connor, have become known across the world for their harmonious singing.
“Music, the arts and culture enable us to transcend and engage with and celebrate the mystery and beauty of life. These three priests have been given a platform to reach out to and inspire diverse audiences and communities across the globe, from all faiths and traditions, united in their common love of music.
“The honour that they have received pays particular tribute to their generous charity work effected and realised through the Priests Charitable Trust as they continue to reach out in support to those in need.”