Can an Irish trad song save lives? Augher musicians launch unusual health campaign 'Hey Ho! Haemochromatosis'

AN infectious foot-stomping trad song with an unlikely chorus and a potentially lifesaving message is bringing haemochromatosis, the inherited iron overload condition known as the ‘Celtic Curse’, to the airwaves across Northern Ireland.

A group of leading Northern Ireland musicians, two of whom are from Augher, is hoping to get people singing a word that could help save lives: haemochromatosis.

Conceived and created by Belfast-based Genesis Advertising, the song, Hey Ho! Haemochromatosis, is performed by The Celtic Curse, a specially assembled group of accomplished traditional musicians fronted by Stephen Butler, who himself lives with the condition.

Augher’s Sinead McKenna and Daniel McKenna, are members of the band.

Featuring bodhrán, whistle, accordion, fiddle, guitar and banjo, the song turns one of medicine's more difficult-to-pronounce words into an unforgettable chorus, encouraging listeners to recognise potential symptoms and understand their inherited risk.

Launching on Monday, November 2, and running throughout the month, the campaign is the latest instalment of Genesis Advertising's haemochromatosis awareness initiative, now in its third year, with support from partners including Haemochromatosis UK, Hagan Homes, SMR Research, The Soundhouse NI, Andy Young and generous media owners.

The campaign highlights an estimate that one in 10 people in Northern Ireland have genetic variants associated with an increased risk of iron overload.

Genesis chief executive, Stephen Bogan, who was diagnosed with haemochromatosis in 2018, said: “When I was diagnosed, I couldn't believe how little awareness there was of the condition, particularly here in Northern Ireland. Knowing what I know, and the position I'm in, I felt I had a duty to do something. We believe this song will save lives. The more people who hear it, the more people might recognise the condition, get checked and treated before serious damage occurs. So, we're asking everyone to share the song, and broadcasters everywhere to play it. Share the song. You could save a life.”

Research by SMR following the original awareness campaign found recognition of the word haemochromatosis rose from 22% of Northern Ireland adults in October 2023 to 48% in January 2024, although more than half still did not recognise the condition.

Filmed at Belfast's Morning Star pub, the music video brings together traditional music, humour and a serious public-health message. The full song will be released for radio, digital audio and video, with a special 130-second UTV ad-break takeover scheduled for 11.15pm on Tuesday, November 3. A mix of 60- and 30-second television, video, radio and cinema advertisements will also run throughout November, supported by digital and social content.

Genetic haemochromatosis causes the body to absorb too much iron from food. Its association with Irish and Celtic ancestry has earned it the nickname ‘The Celtic Curse’.

Symptoms can include persistent fatigue, joint pain and brain fog. Without treatment, iron can accumulate in organs and tissues, potentially causing serious complications including liver cirrhosis, diabetes, heart disease and, in some cases, premature death.

Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious damage. Treatment usually involves regular blood removal, known as venesection. Some patients may also be eligible to donate blood. Anyone concerned about symptoms or family history should speak to their GP.

Listen to Hey Ho! Haemochromatosis by The Celtic Curse: https://www.youtu.be/lqdV_jEXd2E

The song will also be available to stream on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube Music from Monday, November 2.

Visit https://www.haemochromatosis.org.uk/ for further information about the condition, its symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.