‘We knew it wouldn’t last forever’... The Priests set for farewell tour

Singing clerics decide to call it a day due to increased duties in parish life

THREE singing clerics from Northern Ireland who rose to global fame following the release of their debut album in 2008 have decided it’s time to say goodbye due to dwindling priest numbers.

The Priests enjoyed multi-platinum success after signing a recording deal with Sony Music in front of Westminster Cathedral in the same year and also hold the Guinness World Record for the fastest-selling debut by a UK classical act.

But, after 50 years of divine musical harmony, Fr Eugene O’hagan (65), Fr Martin O’hagan (61) and Fr David Delargy (61) — who first performed together as schoolboys in St Macnissi’s College back in 1974 — have announced a farewell tour to mark their golden jubilee.

Fr Martin told the Belfast Telegraph the significant milestone is the right time to go.

“As the number of priests gets smaller, our duties are expanding more and more,” he explained.

“We have to make a balanced decision of celebrating music, but also facing reality.

“The statistics are clear that in 20 years there will only be 24 priests under the age of 75. We have to plan now in order to deal with that.”

The trio’s first release was partly recorded in St Peter’s Basilica in Rome and enjoyed success in 40 countries earning them gold and platinum discs for sales throughout Europe and Australia. Their first three albums were each nominated as Classical Album of the Year in the Classical Brit Awards.

Fr Martin admitted he never imagined the musical endeavour would prove to be so popular or lead to such an “exciting” adventure.

“We were very well seasoned in 2008 when we embraced what was a very new chapter in our lives, but our success has been absolutely amazing,” he said.

“Initially our album was only planned for release in the UK and Ireland — when it went worldwide it completely overwhelmed us. We had to check with our Bishop who reminded us that we were priests first and foremost.

“By the time the farewell tour comes around we will have been together as a boyband, if I can get away with saying that, for almost 17 years.

“It has been a dream come true and the fact that after all these years we are still speaking to each other is wonderful.”

The clerics, who have continued full-time service in the Diocese of Down and Connor, have performed in front of Popes John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Francis. Fr Martin said those concerts are among the many memories he will always cherish.

“Our initial concert in Armagh Cathedral stands out and I will never forget that,” he said.

“But performing in front of Pope Francis in 2013 was quite something.

“Meeting the late Queen Elizabeth II on a number of occasions and singing for her and Prince Philip in Hillsborough Castle was also a wonderful moment for us.

“Our concerts have taken us all over the world to countries including the USA, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Sweden and Canada — it’s been incredible.”

The musical cleric revealed there has been a mixed reaction from fans, with many expressing sadness and disappointment at the decision to call it a day.

However, he said most faithful followers understand the increased pressures in parish life and the challenges facing the Catholic Church.

“People have been reminiscing and sharing stories of how they met friends they wouldn’t have if not for going to one of our shows,” Fr Martin said. “So that has been very nice.”

The priest expressed gratitude for the group’s success which he hopes served a higher purpose.

“Sometimes a secular setting like a concert hall can be a platform for a spiritual experience,” Fr Martin said. “Even secular songs we have performed, such as Van Morrison’s Have I Told You Lately, can reach the hearts of audiences very effectively.

“Our focus was always to ensure people had a good night out with plenty of banter and laughter, but if there was a spiritual experience then that was the icing on the cake for us.”

The Priests have also entertained King Charles before he ascended to the throne when he visited Fr Eugene’s parish in Ballyclare with his wife Camilla, now the Queen.

Fr Martin described the end of the chapter as “bittersweet” as he refused to rule out a reunion in the future, hinting at “intermittent appearances” and charity event appearances. “There needs to be a balance between the de

sire to continue forever and the need to be realistic,” he said.

“We are stepping down as The Priests, but will continue to sing as individuals in different settings. What we don’t want is to fall into the rhythm of 10 farewell tours.”

The money made from music sales and concerts has funded the group’s charitable trust, The Priests’ Foundation which builds schools in Cambodia, Uganda and Thailand. Some of the proceeds have also been used to look after retired priests and the homeless in addition to providing children with musical equipment.

But Fr Martin believes the group has served as “an ingredient for peace” here at home by using music “to build cross community links and bridges of hope and life”.

“That is something I revel in as a joyful experience — we are grateful to everyone who helped shape us from teachers, to Bishops and our parishioners. But I am thankful to God for the sense of providence we have experienced through him which is what motivated us.” It was Fr Eugene who first floated the idea of breaking up the group in the runup to his 60th birthday — but he had a change of heart when he reached the milestone.

But Fr David said when he expressed a reluctance to continue last year, he did not face any resistance.

“I have found it increasingly difficult to give my energy to singing simply because my workload has increased,” he said. “It’s also got a lot harder to find priests to stand in and cover when I am away.

“Life as a cleric has just become so much more intense.

“I will be very sad to say goodbye because we have had a wonderful experience and fantastic opportunities.”

Fr Delargy said he will miss the joy that performing live has brought him and the moments of giddiness on red carpets with the great and the good from the classical music world.

“Something will definitely be missing from my life going forward,” he said. “None of us ever dreamed it would evolve the way it did. I experienced giddy excitement that has not been in my life since going down the stairs on Christmas morning as a child. “It was tremendous.”

The cleric said the success coincided with a difficult time for the Catholic Church which was at the centre of a major sex abuse scandal.

“Everyday there were new headlines and it was a very discouraging time for priests and parishioners,” Fr Delargy said.

“We just happened to take on a more public profile in that period which was challenging for us – but it gave people reason to be happy and sent a message that it wasn’t all doom and gloom. It was a lift for many Catholics when they needed it — but we always knew it wasn’t going to last forever.”

Tickets for the Time To Say Goodbye Concert with the Ulster Orchestra in the Ulster Hall on January 5 next year are available on Ticketmaster. Other shows will take place in Armagh, Ballymena, Derry, Belfast and Balbriggan, from September 2024

‘I will be very sad to say goodbye’