Local artists created this moving video literally from 'The Homes of Donegal'.

The Wild Atlantic Women of Donegal have become a major hit again with their new music video – recorded remotely during the Covid-19 isolation period.

The creative project saw over 30 singers recording ‘The Homes of Donegal’ from their homes and recording amazing scenic shots from their local townlands across the county.

The video, which premiered last night, has already attracted over 30,000 views as people from Donegal and around the world enjoy the traditional sounds and scenes of home.

The artists of Wild Atlantic Women are well-used to collaborating together. They recorded a charity album for Donegal Hospice in 2018 and have performed on stage together over the years.

But the Covid-19 crisis inspired them to create one of their most-loved musical pieces yet with the original version of  Seán Mac Giolla Bhríde’s 1953 ballad ‘The Homes of Donegal’.

Bri Carr – Director, Wild Atlantic Women

Project director Brí Carr said: “Every artist is an individual artist in their own right, and to come together in a supportive, charismatic way adds charm and depth to our collaborations, concerts and music. We are extremely fortunate to have such an abundance of creativity and talent in the women of our county.

“We hope to reach the hearts and souls of our native Donegal folk, at home and abroad, with images of authenticity, real emotion, sights and scenery all on our front door steps.

“We have now proven that not only can we sing, or take mini music videos, but we can unite with one another in so many positive ways, even when we have to stay apart.”

Wild Atlantic Women – 5th January 2020 at An Grianan Theatre

The original Wild Atlantic Women album, which also features artists such as The Henry Girls, Lisa McHugh, Jacqui Sharkey, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Moya Brennan as well as those on this collaboration, can be ordered from Ceol Music or directly from the Donegal Hospice or Wild Atlantic Women Donegal page.

Brí has issued a huge thank you to “Terry McGinty, Kelli McGrory and Bernie Doherty for overseeing the audio stages of the project, to Pol Mac Cumhaill and Sean Mac Bride for their compositions, to Sonia, Peter and Ruairí from Ligid Léiriúcháin / anbaile.ie for their hard work, to all the media outlets, radio and social media, for continued support, but in a special way, to the Wild Atlantic Women themselves, without whom none of these amazing ideas could possibly take place.”

Cast: in order of appearance on video:
Piano & TinWhistle: Kelli McGrory
Guitar: Bernie Doherty
Words: Sean McBride (Grand-Uncle of Siobhan McGroarty)
Translated to Gaeilge: April 2020: Pól Mac Cumhaill (brother of Maria Nií Chumhaill/Uncle of Mia)

On behalf of all the Wild Atlantic Women, past, present and future.

Cast:
Gearóidín Breathnach
Karen Gallinagh Murphy

Brí Carr
Anne Biddie
Anne Nicholls
Bernie Doherty

Claire Ward
Rachel Akkoç
Gráinne Gavigan
Maria McCormack

Mikaela Bonner
Fiona Wasson
Sínéad Black
Siobhan McGroarty

Sinéad Gibson
Emma Ní Fhíoruisce
Margo
Síofra & Clíodhna Harvey

Clodagh Mooney
Sadbh Breathnach
Mia Clarke
Caela Grace Carr

Maria Ní Chumhaill
Noeleen Ní Cholla
Kelli McGrory
Deirdre Bonner Mooney

Patricia Nic Ruairí
Hannah Nic Pháidín
Eibhlín Nic Suibhne
Diane Cannon

Áine Ní Churrain

Audio: Terry McGinty (Valley Studio), Kelli McGrory Music & Brí Carr Music
Massive thanks to Sonia Nic Giolla Easbuig, Peter & Ruairí from @anbaile.ie / LIGID Productions for Editing the Video, providing the additional footage and making the visual film come alive.
Ní neart go cur le chéile.