WATCH: Tyrone students stunned with "Fairytale of New York" success

The students and staff at Holy Trinity College in Cookstown, Co Tyrone say they're stunned by the warm reaction to their cover of "Fairytale of New York."

"Well here it is! Our Christmas song of 2023," Holy Trinity College said on Facebook on December 6, unveiling its student-led take on The Pogues' Christmas classic.

"Have a very happy and peaceful Christmas from the students and staff of Holy Trinity College."

Holy Trinity's cover of "Fairytale of New York" has been warmly received and widely spread - at the time of publication on Tuesday, the school’s festive Facebook video had drawn more than 67k views and more than 3.7 likes.

Among the many people commending the students on their efforts were Michelle O'Neill, the Vice President of Sinn Féin and Northern Ireland's First Minister-designate. She said on X on December 9: "An amazing tribute to the late Shane MacGowan by the pupils and staff at Holy Trinity College, Cookstown.

"This will put a smile on your face, well done to everyone involved!"

Meanwhile, Victoria Mary Clarke, MacGowan's widow, also gave her stamp of approval on X on Tuesday: "Fair play to the kids from the Holy Trinity College in Cookstown!"

Fair play to the kids from the Holy Trinity College in Cookstown! https://t.co/rLizjCMV7a

— @victoriamary (@Victoriamary) December 12, 2023

“We are pretty stunned at how well this has been received,” teacher Gerard McStocker told The Belfast Telegraph on December 10.

He explained: “We have ‘Feel Good Friday’, a music session where pupils and staff get together to showcase and record music and song.

“Year 14 music student Patrick Bell, under the guidance of his teachers, decided to record a few songs on the ‘GarageBand’ app.

“They’d planned to release these over the Christmas holidays.

"However, considering the recent passing of Shane MacGowan, they thought it was fitting to hasten the release of 'Fairytale Of New York.'”

According to The Belfast Telegraph, students Ryan Neeson and Jessica Dascaula took the lead on vocals for the "Fairytale of New York" tribute.

They were accompanied by Patrick on fiddle, Killian Armour on banjo, Deirbhile Canavan on tin whistle, Ryan Coney on guitar, Joe Donaghy on bass, Shayne Ferrity on mandolin and banjo, Cahir McKeown on piano, Chloe Hawker on guitar, and Conal Moore on drums.

All donned their finest 'ugly Christmas sweaters.'

“A great team effort from the students and staff here at Holy Trinity College and I hope everyone enjoys our version of this classic and the other tunes being released over Christmas holidays," McStocker told The Belfast Telegraph.

“We’re particularly proud of the musical talent we have here at the school.”​

Principal Isabell Russell added: “We so appreciate all the lovely comments — the students and staff richly deserve them.”

Holy Trinity's cover of the Irish Christmas classic was shared on December 6, just two days before the funeral of the song's original singer, Shane MacGowan.

The funeral featured a rousing rendition of "Fairytale of New York," which saw people dancing in the aisles at St. Mary of the Rosary Church in Co Tipperary.

That special moment when the outpouring of love for Shane couldn’t be held in anymore, when the wake gatecrashed the funeral mass & it was beautiful! Shane’s spirit was there for the world to see. Just how he wanted it - pure, spontaneous, celebratory, rebellious joy & love ?✊? pic.twitter.com/pwh6yPi9Kn

— Andy Nolan (@AndyNolanBCS) December 12, 2023