The Priests get ready for Glenarm concert

Also in attendance were our local celebrity chef Jenny Bristow, who took the time to see how local produce was fairing, the Wookalily Band, a bluegrass band, our very own Willie Drennan and local rowers who will compete in the Rowing Regatta.

Adrian Morrow welcomed the Priests to the Glenarm Castle Estate during a visit ahead of their upcoming concert as part of the P&O Ferries Dalriada Festival.

On Saturday, June 18, the world-renowned classical trio will perform some of their best-known hits accompanied by some of Ireland’s finest musicians, with support from operatic pop group Amici Forever and a fireworks celebration to round the evening off.

The Priests; Father Eugene O’Hagan, his brother Martin O’Hagan and Father David Delargy, who have been nominated for ‘Album of the Year’ at this year’s Classic Brit Awards, are a musical group made up of three Catholic priests all hailing from Northern Ireland. Since 2008, the group have released three successful albums, whilst also fulfilling their pastoral roles in their respective parishes.

Father Martin said: “We are delighted to have this opportunity to visit Glenarm Castle. I can say that on behalf of my brother, Father Eugene and Father David, we are very much looking forward to performing in the exquisite surroundings of the Glenarm Estate as part of the all-new Dalriada Festival.”

The P&O Ferries Dalriada Festival will be held in Glenarm Castle Estate between Friday, June 17 and Sunday, June 19. It is an event tailored to suit all ages, young and old, which will give Ireland the chance to celebrate many aspects of its culture and heritage. The festival is a collaboration of food, music and sport and will see an action-packed weekend of activity.

Adrian Morrow, Glenarm Castle Estates managing director, said: “We were delighted to welcome The Priests to the Glenarm Estate. They are a world-renowned act and will certainly put on a show to remember on Saturday, June 18.

“Not only that, but we have a full schedule of musical acts taking part over the course of the weekend. On the Friday night, General Fiasco, the indie rock group from Magherafelt and Duke Special from Belfast with support from Sligo-born instrumental group Tucan, will perform. To round off the weekend, Sunday sees our gospel concert with Grammy award winning artist, David Phelps, a Gaither vocalist from the legendary American Gaither band.

“With the addition of Scottish and Irish Dancing competitions, some bluegrass with the likes of Wookalily, contemporary and country music there is truly something for everyone.”

The NEFF Festival of food will host, along with many food exhibitors from Northern Argyll, the celebrity chef Jenny Bristow.

Jenny Bristow explains: “I will be conducting cookery master classes and demonstrations, using herbs and vegetables from the walled garden. Glenarm smoked salmon, shorthorn beef and organic lamb will also be showcased along with much more. Northern Ireland is home to such wonderful produce and an event like this is an ideal opportunity to showcase what’s good about our food and Northern Ireland.”

Mr Morrow continued, “In addition to the music and food we have some fantastic sporting events. Sporting traditions from both sides of the North Channel will take place, with the Highlander Challenge ‘World Championships’ being the main event.

“As we try our hand at the hammer throw and tossing the caber, our Scottish cousins will be challenged to some shinty. There will also be tug-o-war, tag rugby, a triathlon, a rowing regatta and a Poc-Foda competition which is a tournament to test the skills of Ireland’s best hurlers.

“The P&O Ferries Dalriada Festival could not take place without much assistance. We are indebted to P&O Ferries, the North East Regional Rural Development Programme, UTV, our media partner, NITB, NEFF and, Tennents, our drinks partner.

“It is a festival of music, sport and food, something which has never been seen before in Ireland. There are many other events taking place at the Festival from Fossetts Circus to a horse chase hunt and a tea dance.

“I would encourage everyone to come along whatever your taste in music, food or sport, as the P&O Dalriada Festival has it all,” he added.

For more information and tickets for the event, please visit www.dalriadafestival.co.uk.

Don’t miss your copy of the Times over the next few weeks to see how you could win tickets to the Dalriada Festival events.