Mystery revealed as Laois community invited to join 'legend of Irish music' in Irish soccer anthem video

A Laois community is being invited to put on their green jerseys and scarves and come to the Rock of Dunamase this weekend to be part of the recording of a new Irish soccer anthem.

Stradbally Community Choir have confirmed to the Leinster Express / Laois Live what surprise guest "a legend of Irish music" will be starring in the music video.

Dean Maher from the choir says they are honoured to be recording the new song by irish folk singer songwriter George Murphy.

"He is producing the song with his band from the United States and they contacted us asking us to be in the chorus. It will be released in America in March, it's about the people of Ireland," he explains.

Stradbally Community Choir has performed with George before Dean says, and it was they who suggested the iconic rock for his new music video.

On Saturday, February 21 at 2pm, they are invited people from Straadbally and surrounding areas to meet on the Rock of Dunamase, pending OPW approval and good weather, to be part of the background crowds cheering Ireland on, with a drone to take video footage of the dramatic scenes.

"We just want everyone to wear green, to be proud to be from Ireland and living in Ireland. We are the people of Ireland regardless of skin colour. We in the choir have recorded the song already, but when the camera zooms out, it will take in the crowds. I hope it brings a new experience for everyone, that people come and enjoy themselves and meet new people. Maybe even to on and start their own choir. I hope the weather is dry too," says Dean. 

The choir has an amazing story itself, and Dean tells it best.

Stradbally Community choir performing at Electric Picnic 2025. Photo: Alf Harvey

"I am one of six founders, with Amy Mulligan, twins Sinead Moran and Ashling Maher who is my mother, Roslyn Larkin and Ross Molloy.

"Roslyn came up with the idea, she went to Fr Vard and he suggested coming to us as the Maher family are well known for being involved in music, back to my grandad John Maher who was always in bands and showbands.

"We wanted to be anything but a professional choir, just to gather once a week, sing a few songs and forget about the world for a few hours. On the first meeting in October 2024 we set out 30 seats but we got nearly 100 members, we've actually kept the same numbers since. They are aged from 17 to 82, and of all abilities. There's no-one who can't join. Even my grandmother is a member.

"The difference with our choir is we have an actual live band, guitars, drums, bass, fiddle and banjo. We started getting noticed online and singers started reaching out. So far we've played at Greenfields and Electric Picnic, we recorded an EP with George and with Mick McLoughlin, it's a new experience for us.

"There's so much negativity in the world, it's nice to see something positive happen. I can't go to the shop now for 10 minutes, it takes 40 minutes becuase everyone in town knows each other now. People who were new but also people who lived here all their lives but didn't have a change to chat or meet people.

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"Now after rehearsals my granny is heading out for a drink with new friends. It's changed younger people's outlook on older people. They are sitting beside each other having a laugh, sharing stories," he said.

They meet to rehearse weekly in St Colman's school hall, and have had offers to use both churches for rehearsals too.

"We've received nothing but support," Dean said.

To enquire further about taking part in the Rock of Dunamase Ireland song video, message Dean on Whatsapp 083 426 5110