Singing trio The Priests have defended their decision to collaborate with Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan after criticism from fans.
They teamed up with MacGowan, a former heroin addict and famously misbehaving rock star, to produce their Christmas single The Little Drummer Boy.
Fans online described the collaboration as "distasteful" and criticised the Irish singer's "scandalous character".
But Fr David Delargy said it was a privilege to work with him and that he had a "depth and sincerity" that is not picked up by the media. At the end of the recording session, Fr Delargy said, he asked the priests for a blessing.
