In a success story that Father Ted and Father Dougal could only dream about, a classical group of three priests from Northern Ireland simply called The Priests have recorded several albums and gone on tour.

The trio formed in the 1970s while they were attending St. MacNisi’s College in Co Antrim. They signed a deal with SonyBMG in April of 2008 and they recorded their debut album in Northern Ireland and Rome. They had the rare honor to record in St. Peter’s Basilica in The Vatican. 

Their debut album was released on November 14, 2008 by Epic Records and since then has been released in over thirty countries. The album was produced by Sally Herbert and Mike Hedges, who has also worked with U2, Dido, and Manic Street Preachers.

Their second album titled “Harmony” was released in 2009 and they followed its success with a concert tour through the UK and Ireland. The Priests released their Christmas album titled “Noel” in November of 2010.

The Priests continue their pastoral work in their respective parishes. Fr Eugene O’Hagan is the Administrator of the Parish of Ballyclare and Ballygowan. Fr Martin O’Hagan is the parish priest of the Parish of Newtownards and Comber. Fr David Delargy is the parish priest of the Parish of Hannahstown.

The Priests are also members of the Cappella Caeciliana, a Belfast based choir. Cappella Caeciliana has recorded three albums, Cantate Domino (2001), Sing for the Morning’s Joy (2005), and O Quam Gloriosum (2008).

Watch a video about The Priests here: