Music and Musicians
An Irish Christmas
Moya Brennan Sings the Official song of the 2008 Irish Olympic Team
With the Beijing Olympic Games just around the corner, Moya Brennan, singer with multi-platinum selling favourites Clannad, has provided lead vocals on 'Green to Gold', official song of the 2008 Irish Olympic team. But this is not your usual sports anthem!
Written by Niall Austin and performed with Dublin rockers, Grand Canal , the song is more James Bond theme than ' Ireland 's Call'.
Opening with a reflective but determined variation of the athlete's Olympic oath, performed to the traditional air of 'She Moves through the Fair', the song breaks into a hard rock track that endeavours to capture the energy of the world's biggest sporting event from an athlete's perspective.
”The crowd is calling, challenge has begun
History falling, on shoulders of the young
The field of combat, holding out the prize
In sight of glory, captured through the eyes…
Of the heroes, watching as their destinies unfold
To bring the Green to Gold”
Moya, a long time Olympic fan, whose native Donegal is represented on the team by 4 athletes and support staff, was delighted to play her part for the Irish team.
"Coming from Donegal, I've always been interested in Olympics" say Moya, "Apart from the athletes being excellent role-models for young people, the Irish Olympic Committee was among the first organizations from the 32 counties to promote a peaceful shared endeavour in a dignified way".
Her participation will also help raise the profile of the Games at home. "Moya is a huge star, and I've been a fan for years!" said Pat Hickey, President of the Olympic Council. "We're therefore delighted that she kindly agreed to support our Cultural Programme surrounding the Games, and hope that it will in turn further engage young people and help them to take a bigger interest in sports".
Grand Canal features an ensemble of musicians from some of Ireland 's most prominent 80s and 90s bands including The Blades, The Stars of Heaven, The Fat Lady Sings and Brian, as well as emerging young stars, Claudia and Natalie Boyle. Their 2007 debut album 'Pearls', recorded with Ronnie Drew and Jah Wobble, achieved widespread critical acclaim
Available at record shops and via download (in Ireland) from the 1st of August, all profits from 'Green to Gold' will be used to support the development of Irish youth sports.
Author: Press Release
Music and Musicians
An Irish Christmas
Moya Brennan Sings the Official song of the 2008 Irish Olympic Team