2026 is set to be a hectic year for Barnbrack founder Alex Quinn and St Genevieve’s High School, which is celebrating its Diamond Jubilee.
Alex started out his career as a teacher in St Oliver Plunkett Primary School but quickly became involved in the local music scene. He and his two friends Eoin McMahon and Jimmy McPeake formed the folk band Barnbrack and went on to great acclaim across the world, and were presented with gold and platinum discs.
Alex wrote the song ‘Belfast’ in 1984, and earlier this year he recorded a new arrangement featuring St Genevieve’s Choir.
Head of Music Siobhán Savage previously worked with Alex 20 years ago on a recording of his song to Padre Pio featuring two of her students, Mary Bernadette Hardy and Donna Higginson.
After a long gap, Alex, Siobhán and some music pupils began to perform together at the vigil Mass in St Michael’s each week in 2021. Following this, Alex became an honorary member of the Music Department at the school and was invited to perform at the Carols at Christmas Concert 2023 and Spring Concert 2025.
He brought the idea of a new instrumental and choral arrangement of ‘Belfast’ to St Genevieve’s, who were delighted to assist.
The recording was produced and mastered by renowned uilleann pipe player and maker, Martin Crossin. Alex taught Martin tin whistle in primary school, and Martin went on to pursue a very successful career in Music with his wife, Mary.
The recording took place in the school oratory, and 14 pupils from the school choir were invited to sing on the track in what was a hugely exciting experience for them and their teachers, Siobhán Savage and Joanne McQullan. It was a fitting and memorable experience to celebrate the fourtieth anniversary of the song and the sixtieth of the school.
During Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, Alex was approached to perform on the Gig Rig, and from there he launched the CD. All proceeds will go to the Children’s Hospice and Friends of the Cancer Centre. Alex’s performance became one of the unofficial anthems of the week and he already has been asked to return to perform in 2027. The CD features 11 tracks including ‘Mickey Marley's Roundabout’ and others.
Last Friday, the pupils who sang on the track met with Alex and heard the recording for the first time.
Alex will be performing at St Genevieve’ Christmas Fair on 28 November 2026 and their Gala Concert on March 9 next year. The Music and Drama departments are currently preparing for their production of ‘The Sound of Music’ which will take place from 19-20 October. Copies of the CD will be available from Alex Quinn at St Genevieve’s Christmas fair.
