THREE parish priests who found global success as a musical band are the focus of a new film which documents their fascinating rise to fame.
Northern Ireland based Fathers Martin and Eugene O’Hagan and David Delargy are The Priests, a musical band established by Sony Epic records in 2008.
Back then Nick Raphael, the President of the record label, was looking for a priest to a record a version of the Latin Mass.
The three priests sent an audition video in which they performed together and the rest, well, is history.
“There are certain things you look for in a recording artist,” Raphael says.
The Priests in action“The Priests ticked none of the boxes, but when you see something that is magic, you break all the rules.”
Looking back to their audition, when they believed only one of them would be selected, Father David Delargy said: “At that time I was Parish Priest in Hannahstown and I thought if Eugene and Martin are auditioning for it, I don’t think I have much chance but I will throw my hat in to the ring anyway and give it a go.”
Father Eugene recalls: “I suppose each of us were hoping one of us would be picked and that one would be… you know…me.”
But Raphael signed all three of the clergymen and the priests would go on to make headlines around the world.
“I knew in my gut 10, 20 seconds in,” Raphael admits.
“It was Eugene’s twinkle – his look to the camera. We made our minds up. It was done – it was instantaneous.”
They were given the band name The Priests and soon went on to sign a three-album recording contract at Westminster Cathedral in front of the world’s media for £1.4m.
“Well we were completely bowled over by this,” Father Martin said as the BBC Northern Ireland film The Priests: Faith And Fame, which tells their story, was announced.
In it the priests reflect on their journey so far, from when they met as schoolboys in St MacNissi’s College in Co. Antrim and first started performing together 50 years ago to their recent decision to call time on their musical career.
Over the past 17 years The Priests have given over 250 live performances and sold more than three million albums.
The show also captures their emotional farewell as they prepare for their last ever concert as The Priests in the Ulster Hall, Belfast.
“They were a blessing, they were an honour to have been involved with, and every accolade they have ever received, they deserved - they really have deserved it,” Raphael says.
“They are three wonderful human beings that I’m very lucky came into my life.”
The Priests: Faith And Fame will air on BBC One NI at 7pm on Sunday, March 16.
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