'A dream come true' as choir sing with The Undertones

Choir member Cian said it was a dream come true

A choir from Ardnashee School and College received an early Christmas present when they got the chance to record a special version of 'Teenage Kicks' with The Undertones.

They arrived in several school buses at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium to make the recording.

It is arguably the band's best-known song and has been adopted as the unofficial anthem of Derry City fans.

Choir member Cian said it was a dream come true.

The choir is made up of 50 pupils

He said: "Thanks to The Undertones—now we are doing this. And it is the most exciting thing in my life."

The Undertones had previously seen a version of the song that the Ardnashee Choir had recorded and posted online.

Bass player Mickey Bradley was impressed.

"It's just the idea of these wains, the joy and the enthusiasm that they had for it, kind of reminded me of the way we were whenever we were teenagers—whenever we made the record, you know," he said.

Ardnashee School and College Principal Raymond McFeeters said it was a fantastic experience for the children and that they were "really excited" for the rare opportunity.

Bass player Mickey Bradley said he was impressed

The project is part of an outreach programme to promote inclusion at the football club.

Karen Pyne, Supporters Liaison Officer at Derry City Football Club, said: "Two years ago we set up 'Different Together' in conjunction with Ardnashee School and College just to bring inclusion and diversity to the club so that everybody can experience a match day."

The school choir got to meet several of the Derry City players, including centre back Mark Connolly.

He said it was vitally important to be inclusive.

The school choir got to meet several of the Derry City players

"It's huge; it's absolutely incredible because everyone is the same, and these kids are amazing kids.

"We got to know them with a few school visits, and a lot of them have walked out with us out onto the pitch," Connolly added.

Connolly said the school children have brought a lot of joy to "people and the club."

The Undertones guitarist Damian O'Neill was delighted with the response of the children.

He said: "Watching the kids when they were singing it and the joy that they were getting, they were obviously having fun. We get that same feeling."

Choir member Faye said it was a day she would never forget.