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The journey has been something of a whirlwind since the last blog. I was off with a group from all over the North of Ireland on a pilgrimage to Fatima in Portugal which was a great experience indeed, this was from the 1st to the 8th July. There were about 36 in the group and there were a number of places to visit such as Coimbra, Nazare, Santarem, Lisboa and of course Fatima itself. I really enjoyed the company and the opportunity to pray and of course have some laughter, a good balance!!

It has been a time of vocal recording since then in the Studio which is always fun and there is a real sense of support and team work. There is a significant coming together every time we record and the album is gelling very well. The recording on the 9th and 10th July was intensive. Then we had the wonderful chance to visit Dublin on the 11th and 12th July to hear the orchestral tracks being recorded with their full arrangements. It was a fabulous experience just watching the team at work and the intricacies of the detail and laying down of the tracks. We watched and listened to the Irish Film Orchestra, such a fantastic group of talented musicians. But there was Mike the producer and Sally the arranger working together with Hayden and others pulling all the threads together. It was fascinating to hear the vocals marrying with the orchestra and the fullness of the tones and sounds. It was like being present at the birth of something wonderful and life giving. Sally smiled with contentment and a sigh of satisfaction as the days ended with all the tracks laid down, another step had been made in the journey towards the completion of the album.



The documentary crew were there to get an insight into the work being done and it was great to have this part of the journey also recorded. There was a feeling on my part that it was crucial for us to be there during the two days, as they offered us the chance to hear and to absorb the music so that it informs our singing and the interpretation of the pieces chosen in the future. This visit provided us with the colours and fullness of tone which will clearly influence the outcome of the album. It has been good for us to continue to collaborate with the team who are getting all into shape and have plenty of banter and enjoyment.



We were also interviewed by Time Magazine and were put very much at ease by the journalist, William, who asked us about our experiences so far and we answered these with frankness and excitement. The article will be out in mid August, weâre looking forward to reading that.



All in all it was a busy time with a little look at the diaries for the future. Soon we were making our way back to our Parishes for the Sunday liturgy and it has been busy visiting the sick of the Parish this week and getting the Summer Scheme for our young people up and running with the help of a great team. I am just about to begin a major restoration scheme of the Church of St. Patrick, Cushendun which dates to 1803 and is built upon an even earlier site. It is a real time of change and much to think about as my mind races, but please God all will be well. As always we have been so well supported in this wonderful venture and we are so grateful to everyone. I hope that you will enjoy the album as much as we do as it comes alive with every step of the journey.