It was the most sought after line in a lively reproduction of the Band Aid festive hit Do they know it’s Christmas? and competition along the corridors and in the classrooms of St Oliver’s National School in Killarney was quite intense.
As reported by KillarneyToday.com earlier in the week, “The Bono Bit” from the smash hit 1984 charity single was in such big demand that even Hollywood actor Michael Fassbenber and acclaimed singer-songwriter Paddy Casey put themselves forward for audition along with most of the teachers at the school.
The task of allocating the sought-after line fell to teacher and experienced musician Noel O’Sullivan who delivered the news that she had landed “The Bono Bit” to a delighted Amy O’Donovan, daughter of Kerry GAA legend Ambrose and a very accomplished singer.
But while Amy was thrilled that she got to sing the famous line “Well, tonight that God it’s them instead of you”, it seems that not all of her teaching colleagues were best pleased.
Quite hilariously, it sparked a certain course of action that saw gifts of an apple pie and season GAA tickets presented earlier to Noel O’Sullivan, in a possible attempt to influence his decision, being hastily reclaimed or destroyed.
And even principal Colm Ó Súilleabháin – who was interested in the sought after part himself – couldn’t hide his disappointment though he had a very special treat in store for the casting director, by way of revenge.
The second and concluding chapter in the saga has just been released in an exciting, suspense-filled follow-up to the brilliant original video which has become the talk of the town.
“It has been great fun and it has received a fantastic reaction from all who have seen it,” said the principal.
“It has created a fantastic atmosphere throughout the school and the pupils have enjoyed it thoroughly,” he added.
The fun-filled video idea was initiated by Noel O’Sullivan and Óisin O’Connor and the staff ready and willing to play their part.
“When I proposed the idea to staff, a few joked about the Bono line and I thought it would be funny to make a comedy sketch based on that,” Noel explained.
“Luckily, it coincided with Paddy Casey and Michael Fassbender popping into St Oliver’s so we made hay while we could.
“The staff were equally creative, adding their ideas to our basic idea and it developed into the entertaining two-part series we have now,” he said.
Noel added: “Musically, I always love including as many as possible so I was delighted to have about 23 staff involved in the solos and instrumentals”.
The school hopes the Do they know it’s Christmas? remake will encourage people to make a donation to the Concern Horn of Africa Crisis appeal.
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