Paul and Mickey Joe behind song for the Gathering

FOLK star Paul Brady from Tyrone and former Irish Eurovision entrant Mickey Joe Harte from Donegal have teamed up to write Come Gather All a song for the year of the Gathering featuring a number of Donegal singers with American producer John Condron co-producing the single. Those involved in the production say Come Gather All was recorded in the hills of Donegal and thus has a unique Donegal flavour to it. Mickey Joe Harte has strong connections with this part of Galway as his brother Jim lives near Cloonmore and the two of them have often played at sessions in Canavanâ€â„¢s Lounge, Belclare as the former Eurovision entrant is a frequent visitor to the area. â€Å“There was a little bit of magic in the air, and a fair wind filled the sails during the recording of Come Gather All. Considering most of the artists had never worked together as a unit, it seemed that in studio there was a common understanding and determination to do what was best for the song,â€Â says Mickey Joe. The vocalists include Pat Gallagher of Goats Donâ€â„¢t Shave, a group famous for their hit Las Vegas in the Hills of Donegal, Karen, Lorna and Joleen Mc Laughlin, Declan and Aidan Mc Clafferty of the band In Their Thousands, Martin Tourish, Paul Tully, Gary Porter and Rory Gallagher, the latter a talented vocalist but not to be confused with the late legendary guitar player of the same name. â€Å“This is our way of saying that we are collectively proud of all the good things that being Irish means. â€Å“This song and the gathering of performers was an opportunity to come together and offer something that is true to us and where we come from - and something we are proud to be part of,â€Â says Mickey Joe. The song has been released to coincide with the Earagail Arts Festival 25th anniversary and the Donegal Gathering and is available as a download and as a CD single.