The cover of Mike Oldfield's 'On Horseback' features journalist Fergal Bowers on vocals

It's a tough time for everyone right now, but charities across the world are particularly feeling the pinch when they need it most.

With that in mind, a new charity single has been launched under the 'COVAID Ireland' banner, with all proceeds going to Age Action Ireland and the Irish Red Cross Hardship Fund for families coping with Covid-19. The aim is to raise €250,000 for the campaign.

The song is a cover of 'On Horseback', a Mike Oldfield song, and was put together remotely, with Toronto-based producer Gary Grant at the helm.

Journalist Fergal Bowers provides the spoken word part of the song, and Kerry-based singer Gemma Goodey and musician Kyle Tyther recorded their parts in Dingle. There's also a children's choir on the song - which was recorded on their parents' phones and sent to Grant, who pieced the song together.

You can hear a preview of the song here, and it's available to download on iTunes and Google Play now.