Damien Dempsey releases music video for Christmas track 'Fáilte Abhaile (Welcome Home)' in aid of Focus Ireland

Renowned Irish singer-songwriter, Damien Dempsey, has released the stunning Christmas track 'Fáilte Abhaile (Welcome Home)' with all proceeds going to the charity, Focus Ireland.

As well as the song itself, Dempsey presents a heartfelt music video to accompany the piece.

The single and music video aim to reach out to the Irish abroad, urging them to come home to family for the holidays. The visual features a young boy clearly missing his family and using music to express this sadness.

Written by Damien as well as long-time collaborator and producer John Reynolds and Gary Brown, the track attempts to capture the unique experience of an Irish Christmas, where family and friends gather and rekindle memories, both joyful and sad, that connect and binds people together in most memorable and emotional way.

Gary Brown, co-writer of the track explains: “The song is an expression of Welcome to all Irish people, whether they be at home or abroad, who during these last few years of covid may not have been able to get home for Christmas to see their loved ones.”

The lyric references places in the North, South, East and West of Ireland and highlights the "Fáilte" that awaits Irish people in all their individual counties.

Focus Ireland's Pat Dennigan thanked Damien for his support of the charity, saying: “Damien is one of the country’s most talented musicians and has been a great supporter of Focus Ireland over the years. This beautiful song gives a poignant message at a time when over 3,500 children will spend Christmas in emergency accommodation.

"Everyone thinks about going home for Christmas but over 11,000 people have no home to go to this year. Damien like many people across the country knows this is wrong and I would encourage everyone to buy this song via the music platform of your choice and this will help raise vital funds for our services and housing across the country. People can also show their support by texting HOMELESS to 50300 to give €4 and Focus Ireland will receive a minimum of €3.60.”

Focus Ireland is a non-profit organisation based in Dublin, providing services for people who are homeless and people at risk of homelessness in Ireland. Founded by Sister Stanislaus Kennedy in 1985, it has since grown to become one of the largest housing and homelessness organisations in Ireland.

Stream the video for 'Fáilte Abhaile (Welcome Home)' below and, if you can, donate to Focus Ireland by texting HOMELESS to 50300 to give €4 and Focus Ireland will receive a minimum of €3.60.