St Pats go vinyl

St Patrick’s College in Cavan has released its 2024 Christmas album, which is the 13th of its kind.

This year, the album will come in vinyl format for the very first time and could make a great Christmas gift for pupils and parents both past and present.

The album began life back in 2011 with Josh McClorey, a former member of The Strypes, and Liam van der Spek, who wrote an original song to celebrate Christmas as part of a TY project. The tradition has continued to this day and hundreds of students have been involved over the last 13 years. This year’s album features all the songs written from 2011-2024, all the original artwork and all the previous album credits.

“This is a unique venture for the school and is helped greatly by the support of Cavan Arts Office and Cavan County Council,” said Ciaran Tackney, of the College's music department.

A workshop was facilitated by well-known talents and former students, Daragh Slacke and Josh McClorey back in September which yielded four songs. Students and teachers took a “very difficult decision” to choose the song that would be recorded, opting for ‘Christmas Is Here’ written by four TY students Peter Flynn, Jerome Brady, Garry McGovern and Jack Walsh.

The song celebrates the comforts of home life, family and friends at Christmas in a world where everything isn’t perfect.

As in previous years the choir, traditional Irish group and jazz band are involved. The artwork was created under the supervision of Ms Dawn McKeon and was completed by Maxim Braga and Gary McCabe.

Mr Monahan and a group of students are working on a video, which will be released on YouTube in the lead up to Christmas.

The vinyl albums are on sale priced €20 from Cavan Gifts and the school office.

“There is a limited number of albums so get in early to avoid disappointment,” Mr Tackney encouraged.