The Eighteenth - A Fairytale of New York
Perhaps a controversial choice, but when I saw this version sung at the funeral of Shane McCowan, it felt right to include it in our llist of favourite Christmas songs. After all, it been consistently voted the best Christmas song for many years. The funeral mass was held in the Parish church of St. Mary of the Rosary in Nenagh, County Tipperary, the celebrant was the parish priest Fr. Pat Gilbert. His sermon can be heard here
The singer was born on Christmas Day in 1957, apt for a man who co-wrote a famous Christmas song, which probably carries more truth in its story and lyrics, than most traditional carols. Of a couple who are in love, walking home drunk on Christmas Eve.
Hearing a song like this, sung in a church at a funeral, made me think