Stunning Priest Sings “Hallelujah”

Everyone wants their wedding to be unique, but Chris and Leah O’ Kane’s priest’s stunning performance of Hallelujah made for an unforgettable event.

Leah, the bride, is from Dublin, and Chris, the groom, is from Cookstown in County Tyrone, Father Kelly stated.

‘They chose our church even though their reception was at a hotel some 10 miles away.’ Father Kelly joked about singing a song for them during the rehearsal.

Although the bride concurred, she didn’t think he was serious; how mistaken she was.

The people of County Meath are aware of Father Ray Kelly’s lovely voice. He has really recorded three CDs and is frequently called to sing at nuptials and memorial services. On their special day, the bride and groom had no idea about any of these details.

For the wedding, the couple had contracted the band Sunlight. When the ceremony was through, the band stopped playing and Father Kelly’s accompaniment began.

Sunlight attracted the attention of the throng, but all they could do was shake their heads.

The source of the music was unclear to everyone. Father Kelly then started singing, surprising everyone at the wedding.

The song’s music was taken from a Leonard Cohen classic, but the gifted priest had changed the lyrics to reflect the needs of a newlywed couple just beginning their lives together. Father Kelly got a standing ovation when this lovely concert was over.

The song would typically have been a pleasure enjoyed exclusively by the wedding parties and their guests.

Fortunately for us, Patrick Rushe, a local man, was filming the event for a video firm he runs. He posted the performance online and was astonished by the response.

In just 4 days, the video gained over 2.5 million views. Check it out here if you haven’t already. To truly appreciate Father Kelly’s gift, one must see or rather hear it.

You’ll be let down if you were hoping that this would signal the beginning of this wonderful clergyman’s career transition.

The father replies, ‘I enjoy singing, but I wouldn’t want to pursue it full time – I love what I’m doing as a priest,’ when asked about the idea. It appears that a visit to Ireland might be required.