Pictured: Yvonne Murphy. Director of Marketing at EPIC AND Aileesh Carew. CEO at EPIC
December 2024 – Today, people in Dublin City were treated to an unexpected sight: an NYPD patrol car driving through the streets, playing ‘Galway Bay’, and drawing curious glances from passersby. This wasn’t a scene from a Christmas movie; it was part of EPIC’s festive campaign which aims to bring the iconic Irish emigration anthem to life.
The famous lyric, “the boys of the NYPD choir were singing ‘Galway Bay,’” from the Christmas classic ‘Fairytale of New York,’ has long been an iconic line. The only catch? There was no NYPD choir, and Galway Bay was never actually sung by the boys of the NYPD choir – until EPIC made it happen last year.
In 2023, EPIC brought that lyric to life by assembling a choir of retired NYPD officers to perform ‘Galway Bay’. This year, EPIC is taking the experience even further. Today, an NYPD squad car surprised Dubliners, driving through the city with the windows down, playing the song and spreading festive cheer. As the squad car drove past iconic Dublin landmarks like The CHQ Building, Dublin Castle, St. Stephen’s Green, and the Custom House, onlookers couldn’t help but stop in their tracks, captivated by the unexpected sight.
Building on the spirit of this festive surprise, EPIC is also honouring Shane MacGowan’s legacy with a heartfelt gesture. As part of their ongoing tribute, EPIC has pledged to donate €1 for every view of the Boys of the NYPD choir singing ‘Galway Bay’ music video to the Dublin Simon Community – an organisation close to MacGowan’s heart. To learn more about this fundraiser, visit https://epicchq.com/epic-story-behind-fairytale-of-new-york/
Aileesh Carew, CEO of EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, commented, “The creation of this video and song last year reminded people of the power of music and storytelling to bring us together, especially at this time of year when we think of our loved ones far from home. This Christmas, we hope everyone will watch, share, and send this video to family and friends around the world, spreading the spirit of connection and togetherness that defines the Irish diaspora. By doing so, they’ll not only celebrate our shared heritage but also support Dublin Simon Community, a vital cause close to our hearts.”
Join in the festive spirit by streaming the video and celebrating Shane MacGowan’s legacy. For every view, EPIC will donate €1 to the Dublin Simon Community. Watch now and make a difference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLV1m6r0FVA
