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, October 10, 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.