MEET THE PRIESTS: Gifted Trio of Ordained Clergymen Won't Give Up Their Day Jobs

MEET THE PRIESTS: Gifted Trio of Ordained Clergymen Won't Give Up Their Day Jobs

In Catholic Parishes of Ireland

Debut Album, Produced by Mike Hedges, Is Coming November 18th On RCA Victor

NEW YORK, July 21 /PRNewswire/ -- A vocal trio of three Roman Catholic priests from Ireland is on the brink of creating an international musical sensation as The Priests.

In an April ceremony on the steps of London's historic Westminster Cathedral, the group -- comprised of two brothers, Father Eugene O' Hagan and Father Martin O' Hagan, and Father David Delargy -- was signed by Sony BMG (UK). Their Priests' debut album is set for US release on RCA Victor Records on November 18, 2008.

The Priests commenced recording May 23 in Dublin and will continue in Belfast and The Vatican in Rome. Their album will include performances in Latin, Spanish, German, Italian, and English of such enduring classics of faith as "Ave Maria," "Panis Angelicus," "Abide With Me," and "O Holy Night." The Priests are working with legendary producer Mike Hedges, well known for his work with U2, The Cure, and -- in a foreshadowing of his current assignment -- the Manic Street Preachers. The Priests will be accompanied by the Vatican Choir on the recording, arranged and conducted by Pablo Colino the Emeritus Director of Music at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, Rome. A major television special is in the works, as well as an international launch event scheduled for September at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Northern Ireland.

The extraordinary combined talents of Father Eugene O' Hagan (48), his brother, Father Martin O' Hagan (45), and Father David Delargy (44) first were recognized while they attended Queen's University in Belfast and while training for the priesthood at the Irish College in Rome. During the latter period, the three singers were invited personally by the Papal Master of Ceremonies, Monsignor Magee, to sing for the Pope in the sacred liturgy.

Upon their return to Ireland, each of the Priests will continue to tend to the spiritual needs of his parishioners and to the official duties of his church. The Priests' global recording contract exempts each member from undertaking any promotional or recording duties in the event, for instance, of officiating at a wedding or christening of a parishioner. Additionally, the trio has stipulated that a percentage of the proceeds from their record sales will be donated to a charity of their choice.

"We have been inundated with good wishes from our brother priests, from parishioners, and from many friends in the music world," reports Father Eugene O' Hagan in a blog entry at www.thepriests.com.

"It was our intention to make a record for posterity...but imagine what we felt like when Sony BMG popped up out of nowhere and expressed an interest. Fantastic --- unbelievable!"

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: RCA Victor Records

CONTACT: Sarah Weinstein Dennison of RCA Music Group Publicity,
+1-646-840-5672, Sarah.Weinstein@sonybmg.com

Web Site: http://www.thepriests.com/

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