Just over two weeks ago, Hozier appeared with Miriam O'Callaghan on the Late Late Show to promote ISPCC Childline's emergency appeal. There, he performed three songs beautifully in a virtually empty Late Late studio. His rendition of The Parting Glass tough, dedicated to those who have lost their lives during the Covid-19 crisis, captured the emotions of the nation and brought tears to the driest eyes.
Since then, so many more have died in Ireland and around the world, making the perofrmance all the more poignant and stunning in retrospect.
Since his performance, there have been ample calls for the release of the track, and this morning, Hozier announced he would be doing just that this Friday.
Happy to announce the performance of the Parting Glass from @RTELateLateShow will be out this Friday on all platforms with all proceeds going to @ISPCCChildline. Thanks to @rte for their support. pic.twitter.com/kY8vGY6i3v
— Hozier (@Hozier) April 14, 2020
It's a performance that has already offered comfort to many suffering and that will now live on indefinitely is a beautiful thing.
All proceeds from the song will go to the ISPCC who operate Childline. Speaking to The Rewind, the ISPCC's Director of Services Caroline O'Sullivan explained how the Covid crisis has affected the demand for the service.
As soon as schools closed and restrictions were put in place, Childline began to experience an increase in demand for our services.
Unfortunately, issues continue for children. Child abuse does not stop in a pandemic. Nor does
neglect. Nor do mental health difficulties. In the month of March, the service noted an increase of 25 per cent in online contacts. This increased demand has continued over AprilSome of the topics children and young people have been raising with Childline most frequently in recent weeks include abuse and violence, mental health difficulties and family relationships. Tensions and difficulties which had simmered under the surface in homes have been exacerbated by everyone in the house being together under the one roof around the clock, in line with current guidance. Everyone is out of their normal routine and this can create stressful home environments.
Childline is available to call (1800 66 66 66) 24 hours a day or can be contacted by text (50101) or online at Childline.ie from 10am to 4am daily.
Children or young people can get in touch with Childline about any issue which may be on their mind – there is no topic too big or small. Some children contact Childline with worries which might seem insurmountable to them, while others tell us about things which no child should ever have to experience. We are here for them all.
The ISPCC relies of public donations for 90% of its funding and have had to cancel many fundraisers in recent months due to the current circumstances. Hozier and many other Irish artists performed gigs from home over Instagram in recent weeks to raise money for the Childline emergency appeal, and this extra kick from the release of "The Parting Glass" will be a significant bonus.
This is a fantastic gesture from one of Ireland's good guys. We look forward to it hitting the top of the charts.
Anyone who would like to support our Childline at this time can do so by visiting ISPCC.ie or texting CHILDHOOD to 50300 to donate €4.
