The Priests recall fun chat with Hollywood A-lister Hugh Grant

The Priests recall fun chat with Hollywood A-lister Hugh Grant

7 June 2023

A MEMBER of the classical singing trio, The Priests, has recalled an encounter with Hollywood star Hugh Grant.

The Hollywood A-lister was appearing on the same show as The Priests, hosted by presenter Jonathan Ross in 2011.

By then The Priests were well known internationally having sold millions of records.

“(Hugh Grant) was more nervous than we were,” said Fr David Delargy, 

who encountered many A-listers along with brothers Fr Eugene And Fr Martin O’Hagan during the height of their fame.

The Priests shared their story during An Audience with Gerry Kelly at The Saint Patrick Centre in Downpatrick last week.

Fr Eugene recalled how Hugh Grant, the star of films such as Notting Hill, and Love Actually, turned to him and asked: “Are you really priests?”

The trio met Hugh Grant on their second appearance with the popular presenter Jonathan Ross, who had welcomed them in 2008 when their first album The Priests went platinum. 

Fr Delargy admitted it was a daunting experience. “We were terrified,” he said.

But the trio said they soon relaxed and enjoyed the show, which also featured The Killers.

Fr Eugene said they found people in showbusiness hugely respectful to them.

The Priests shared their stories in the auditorium of The Saint Patrick Centre, discussing how music had impacted their lives, their calls to the priesthood and the challenges facing the Catholic Church given the shortage of priests.

The trio met at Garron Tower when they were at school but said they never thought of a recording career which began when Sony was seeking a priest who could sing.

Fr Martin O’Hagan attended and mentioned the talent of his brother Eugene and their friend, Fr David.

Fr Martin and Fr Eugene came from a musical family in Claudy while Fr David, who is from Ballymena, said he just sang his party piece on evenings when the family got together with neighbours.

Fr Eugene recalled: “We have to admit you know when we were children, not only did we sing together in choir formation like the Von Trapp family, we also imitated priests saying mass.”

Fr Martin mused that they also had pretend religious processions with a brush in their garden. “We had to make our way forward. And there was a canopy. We did it in style.”

Gerry Kelly quizzed Fr Eugene, who is also Chancellor and Vicar General of the Diocese of Down and Connor, about a rumour he could succeed Noel Treanor as the next bishop.

Fr Eugene brushed off the rumour amid jokes they would have to rename from The Priests to A Bishop and The Priests.

Fr Eugene was asked about the issue of women priests, and said this was open for discussion in the Church. He added that Pope Francis was “shaking the tree” when it came to promoting lay men and women to positions in the Church traditionally held by men.

“We have to give the Holy Spirit time as we call it and it might be longer than we would like, but I think we have to allow the spirit to move.”

Gerry pressed him about having no personal objection to women priests. 

“The word became flesh,” said Fr Eugene. “It didn’t say man or woman. So I see there is plenty of space in the life of the Church to discuss this.”