Young Irish Singers in Rugby World Cup Choir

Two rising young Irish singers will be part of a 40 strong international choir when Rugby World Cup 2003 is formally launched in Sydney on Friday next, October 10th, 2003.

Twenty five years old Alastair Davis from Dublin and 18 years old Colleen Shannon from Kerry will be part of the choir performing in a lavish ceremony prior to the opening game between Australia and Argentina, comprising gifted young singers from each of the 20 competing Nations.

After singing World in Union at the Olympic Stadium, the two Irish Youth Choir members will also attend all of Ireland’s matches to sing Ireland’s Call prior to each game.

The popular Phil Coulter rugby anthem of Ireland has been re-recorded this year with a catchy new arrangement, featuring the voices of 2003 Eurovision Contest You’re a Star personality Simon Casey, accompanied by members of Ireland’s World Cup playing squad.

The new recording has already made its international debut during Ireland’s mid summer tour to Australia (Perth), Tonga and Samoa and is being aired constantly on radio stations around Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne where Ireland will be playing their preliminary World Cup pool games.

IRFU Marketing and Promotions manager Padraig Power is the driving force behind a successful commercial programme built around the Irish team in Australia. It featured a rousing rendition of Ireland’s Call when the team attended a 600 sell out corporate lunch in downtown Sydney on Thursday last. Along with Union hon. Treasurer John Lyons, Power has also organised a celebrity golf tournament featuring members of the Irish team.