Three Roman Catholic priests have geared up for global superstardom by signing a £1 million contract with music giant Sony BMG.<\/p>\n
Father Eugene O’Hagen, 48, his brother Martin, 45, and their old school friend David Delargy, 44, who all hold parishes in the Northern Ireland diocese of Down and Connor, sealed the deal by the steps of London’s Westminster Cathedral. <\/p>\n
The singing trio, known as The Priests, said they would give money they made themselves from the music to charity.<\/p>\n
The group have a special exemption in their contract, which allows them to break off from promotional duties to deal with parish work such as presiding over funerals.<\/p>\n
The three realised their musical prowess at St MacNissi’s College, Co Antrim, where they were nicknamed Holy Holy Holy due to their shared determination to enter the priesthood.<\/p>\n
Fr Eugene, of the Parish of Ballyclare and Ballygowan – Church of the Sacred Heart and and Church of the Holy Family, described the signing as "breathtaking".<\/p>\n
Fr Martin, of the Parish of Cushendun – Church of St Patrick (Craigagh), Church of St Mary, The Star of the Sea (Culraney) explained the reason behind the clause which allowed the priests to carry out their parish duties.<\/p>\n
He said: "Our work means a great deal to us. We are priests first and foremost. Our work will be at the heart of our plans."<\/p>\n
It seems to me judging the business of most priests that their "pastoral rider" on their contract<\/a> will pretty much keep them from doing an promotional work.<\/p>\n