Young musicians from Athy to launch album celebrating town’s musical heritage
Athy collective MOA
A GROUP of talented young musicians from Athy College are set to launch a new album inspired by the town’s rich musical history, featuring songs connected to artists with ties to the town.
The MOA band is made up of eight members, including lead vocalists Maykala Farrell, Faith Price, Zoe Doyle, and Darragh Ennis. Other members include Colm Rothwell on drums, Senan Gilbert on guitar, Arthur Hevia on guitar, and Charlie Price on bass.
The album, which features nine cover tracks by artists commemorated on the Made of Athy plaques around the town, including The Smiths, The Buzzcocks, The Stone Roses, The Divine Comedy, Jack L, and Picture This. Songs on the album include ‘Jeane’ by The Smiths, ‘King of Soho’ by Jack L and ‘Safe Ground’ by Toby Lee. Each song celebrates the influence of musicians who are either from Athy or have strong connections to the area.
The project has been supported by People First Credit Union, Kildare County Council, Arts in Co Kildare and many others.
The band will headline their own album launch event in the Clanard Court Hotel, Athy, which will take place at 7pm on Sunday 16 November. The event is also expected to feature guest appearances by well-known musicians and short speeches by community members involved with the project. All are welcome to attend the event for what will be a fantastic evening of music and celebration.
The spoke to 17-year-old MOA singer, Makayla Farrell, who is in Sixth Year in Athy College, and who is also lead singer in her own band, I.F.
“My experience in MOA has been incredible,” she said. “I’ve really grown as an artist through learning to play with so many people and it’s helped grow my confidence by a lot.
“Doing the vocals for the band’s cover of was so fun. When I first listened to the song by The Smiths I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to sing it, but I’m very happy with how it turned out, as I took inspiration from Sandy Shaws’ version.”
Makayla, who is very excited for the upcoming album launch, said: “It’s going to be an absolute blast, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear the album.”
The project, part of the Made of Athy (MOA) initiative, has been in the works for over a year and brings together students from Athy College who have been mentored by a range of accomplished musicians, including Jack L, Richard Daly, and several others associated with the town’s MOA musical plaques. Feedback from the original artists has been extremely positive and supportive.
“We had all these great musicians, and the idea was to try and get some of that musicianship to rub off on young people,” explained MOA founder, Colm Walsh. “They’ve had mentorship from people like Jack L, and the growth we’ve seen in their confidence and talent has been incredible.”
The project first took root two years ago when the young performers collaborated with UK blues musician Toby Lee, whose grandmother hails from Athy. Mr Lee was named UK Blues Artist of the Year for 2024 and 2025, and appeared on Jools Holland’s New Year’s Eve show 2024 on BBC. His involvement sparked the development of the mentorship programme that would eventually lead to the album.
“It kind of grew organically,” said Colm Walsh. “Toby started working with the young people, then Jack came on board mentoring them. It’s been really good for everyone involved.”
Toby Lee and Jack L’s mentorship have been instrumental in the creation of the project, as well as the group’s school teacher Pearce O’Donnell who also helped hugely and produced some of the tracks on the album.
Those mentoring the project have also witnessed remarkable growth in the young artists’ self-assurance and creativity.
“It makes a connection between the young people and the people who’ve gone before them,” said Colm, “We always say, if you can see it, you can be it.”
The Made of Athy album is just the beginning for these talented young musicians of Athy College.
