Students create tribute to 'Heroes of '16'

A class of music students have written and performed a stirring song to tribute the Irish rebels of the Easter Rising.

The Heroes of ‘16 is the fitting title of the patriotic song. It was written and arranged by students at De La Salle College in Dundalk, Co Louth.

Here is a description of The Heroes of ’16 from the students themselves.

The Heroes of ’16 is a song celebrating the great heroes of the 1916 Rebellion in Ireland.

The song was written and arranged by De La Salle College Dundalk Music Teacher Pamela Campbell and inspired by the Fureys’ classic ‘The Lonesome Boatman’.

The musicians involved range from twelve to eighteen years old. All are accomplished on their instruments, having won multiple titles at provincial and all Ireland fleadhs, performed at the national concert hall and on multiple radio stations.

Instruments in the recording include fiddle, harp, whistles, low whistle, harp, banjo, piano, maracas and drums.

The student’s dedication to this creation shows in the production, which is flawless and meaningful. The harmonies, counter melody and arrangements work effortlessly together.

The video captures beautifully everything it means to be Irish. The song was recorded professionally by Producer Garry Mc Carthy from GMC Beats and the video was put together by teacher Oliver Brennan students Samuel Ogobamidele, Oisin Martin, Dylan Stewart, and Jack Maguire.

We do hope you enjoy it as much as we have enjoyed performing it.

Lead Vocals: Aaron Matthews, Gráinne lee, Iarlaith Carroll
Piano: Samuel Ogobamidele
Harp: Donnchadh Hughes
Violin: Ms Pamela Campbell
Banjo: Oisín Dixon
Whistle: Conor Conway, Peter Mc Guinness
Low whistle: Donnchadh Hughes
Drums: Folarin Alexander Adeniyi
Maracas: Ben Verling

Chorus: Choir

The video is proving to be hugely popular, with thousands of views in its first few days online. It features actual footage recorded during the 1916 Rising as well as photographs of the leaders.

The poignant lyrics fo the song, fantastic musical arrangements and iconic images from Irish history are sure evoke feelings of great pride within anyone with Irish blood.

The Heroes of ’16 is a fantastic mark of respect for the sacrifice made by the Easter Rising rebels, and shows that the pride is still felt by Irish people one hundred years on.

Well done to all the students, teacher Pamela Campbell, and all others who took part in creating this wonderful song and moving video.

Music students create stirring tribute to ‘Heroes of ’16’

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