A year ago today Irish Women in Harmony unleashed their smash hit cover of The Cranberries classic Dreams. Since its release the track has raised over €230,000 for Safe Ireland – a charity that protects women and children from abuse.

The collective spearheaded by RuthAnne became the first female act to be Number 1 on the Official Irish Homegrown Chart – outselling the rest of the top 20 combined in its opening week. Since its release the track has amassed over 5.6 million streams on Spotify alone and generated over 1 million views on YouTube.

“I can’t believe it’s been a year since the Irish women in music came together to do this. As a collective to collaborate and create something that had such an impact, whilst raising money for such an important cause honestly is something we are just so so proud of. We hope to continue to empower more Irish females in the future.”

Since the release of the song Irish Women In Harmony has received funding to run songwriting workshops for women and it was recently announced that a radio documentary about the project has received funding from the BAI.

https://youtu.be/Jv4MYqzg-P4

Monies raised since the release of ‘Dreams’ have come to €235,567, donated to Safe Ireland, the charity which protects women and children from abuse. Funds raised went directly to women and children through Safe Ireland’s 38 member services.

Mary McDermott, CEO of Safe Ireland, says: “‘Dreams’ named an issue, and offered solace in the middle of a painful period, it was really powerful.” Adding: “we see the power of art, how it moves and names, and brings about action. Thank you.”

The 48-member collective which includes the likes of Soule, Loah, Fia Moon, Aine, Ailbhe Reddy and members of Wyvern Lingo, Pillow Queens are set to return shortly with new music, having released their first original material in the shape of charity single Together at Christmas, the project is now moving towards showcasing the songwriting abilities of its members.

Hopefully, this new music will provide a platform for the lesser-known members to step to the fore and showcase their talents as writers, musicians and singers. And provide room for more acts to join the crew.