Laois choir stars in George Murphy's new Irish American anthem People of Ireland

A funfilled Laois choir could be about to hit the big time in Ireland and America, with the release of a new anthem sung by folk singer George Murphy.

Stradbally Community Choir are guest stars on People of Ireland, the new song by the Dublin singer, which celebrates the role Irish people have played in forming America.

This week they wrapped the video for the song, filmed with George in St Patrick's Church of Ireland chapel in Stradbally, a regular rehearsal spot for the community choir. It was followed by an impromptu singsong led by George, with videos going a storm on social media.

Dean Maher told the Leinster Express / Laois Live more.

"The song was originally to be recorded and released for St Patrick's day. The video was to be shot on the Rock of Dunamaise but the OPW wouldn't allow it. 

"People Of Ireland is by an Irish American band the Byrne Brothers, written by Barry Tierney. George got in touch with us to be the choir. The lyrics are about how Ireland helped to build America, from its roads to its presidents. It's a celebration of that. 

"We actually had a visiting American musician performing on it too. J. Adam Wyatt is from the Shamrogues, a band started by Stradbally man Jim Phelan, he's visiting on holidays so we invited him to join in.

"We recorded both the song and the video in St Patrick's Church, they are very good to us since we formed, to give us the church for rehearsals, the accoustics are fantastic," Dean said.

It is to be released very soon he said.

"George will be announcing that. It will be released in the states also. It's all a bit of craic, but hopefully we'll be on the Late Late soon," Dean joked.

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The inclusive joyful choir was formed less than two years ago by the extended Maher family, many of whom are skilled musicians.  Already they have performed at Greenfields and Electric Picnic.

"We only started the choir to do something together on a Wednesday night, we have about 90 members now and about 60 were able to come to the recordings.

"In fairness to George, he gave us two hours of a free concert after the recordings. You can see the enjoyment on everyone's faces looking back, just to be there and be part of it," Dean said.