Chosen by Monk
I have to declare an interest when it comes to revealing today’s selection, as it comes from a project in which I have been closely involved over the past few months. It is a true labour of love by my most excellent amigo Stef Murray, who is using his debut single to pay tribute to his, quite literally, #DownRightIncredible son, and raise awareness for World Down Syndrome Day…
‘Down Right Incredible’ is the highly appropriate title of Stef’s story of the heartbreaking and heartwarming battles he and his family, and especially his son Killian, have faced over the past two years. It is the product of countless days and night spent by Stef and his wife Susanna at their son’s beside after a series of lifesaving operations at both the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast and the specialist Crumlin Childrens’ Hospital in Dublin.
Stef speaks honestly about the situation he and his family faced:
As a parent, one of the most devastating things you can hear are words like “there’s a problem”. But, as a parent, you know there is nothing that cannot be overcome with love for the child you are bringing into the world. As I spent those long nights sitting by his bedside, watching him fight, the words “you’re down right incredible” just kept going through my head. They were words that kept me going, kept me fighting to be the best dad I can be to the best wee boy he can be.
The song is co-written by Scottish-born but now Belfast-resident guitarist Shaun Nelson, and features Northern Ireland’s own Pat ‘The Professor’ McManus, who returns to his Irish folk music roots by playing the fiddle on the song. It also features guest vocal performances from two more long-time friends of Über Rock – Toby Jepson of Little Angels/Wayward Sons and Baz Francis from Magic Eight Ball/The Mansion Harlots. Baz told us about his involvement in the project:
When Stef asked me to take part, my love for both the guy and the cause at hand made my response an immediate ‘yes’. As someone who has a family member of his own with Down Syndrome, I feel a particular connection to this story, not to mention a great admiration for Killian’s spirit. Well done to everyone involved in making something so positive out of this situation here.
‘Down Right Incredible’ is released today (Thursday 21 March). All proceeds will go directly to the appropriately named Down Right Incredible charity and the Hanwood Down Syndrome Football team, who are coached by former Linfield and Glentoran player Norman Kelly and Oscar-winning actor James Martin (who also is referenced in the song).