It’s not all bloody Bob Geldof and Band Aid, y'know – there are plenty of other tunes in the market for Christmas number one, not least a clutch of Irish singles being released for charity.

We've mentioned several of them on our Music News pages over the last few weeks, but here's a run-down of the numerous festive Irish tunes that have been recorded and released for a very good cause.

Christmas Hearts – 'Christmas is in Your Heart'

 

This tune was co-ordinated by What is Home? a community of students from DCU. It's in aid of homeless charity The Peter McVerry Trust and features Christmas Hearts, a supergroup of Irish indie musicians brought together by Niall Jackson, including members of Fight Like Apes, Villagers, So Cow, Bouts, Land Lovers and more.

It's out this Friday on iTunes, Bandcamp (link above) and physical copies via HMV nationwide, rliemed and the launch gig takes place at Whelan's on December 11th.

 

Síle Seoige and friends – 'Maybe This Christmas'

TV presenter and Gaeilgeoir Síle Seoige has co-written an original Christmas tune, sings lead vocals on it, and has roped in several choirs to back her – including the Palestrina Choir, the Pro-Cathedral Girls' Choir and the Famous Faces Choir, which features over 60 Irish celebrities. All profits will be split between ISPCC and the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Pre-order it here.

 

 Lisa Hannigan – 'The Christmas Waltz'

You might have heard this song already; it's currently being featured on An Post's Christmas ad. Lisa Hannigan lends her dulcet tones to the tune which was originally sung by Frank Sinatra in the 1950s, and all profits go to homeless charity the Dublin Simon Community. It's an especially tough time of the year for homeless people, so dig deep and splash a measly €1 on this song. €1, folks. Buy it here.

 

 We Cut Corners – 'Stop the Cavalry'

You'll know this one. Jona Lewie's Christmas classic has been given a sweet makeover by the Dublin indiepop duo, with all proceeds going to the First Fortnight campaign, which raises awareness of positive mental health through the arts. We Cut Corners will also play the First Fortnight festival in January. It's released digitally this Friday, December 5th.