Carlow dad launches new World Cup anthem to raise funds for hospital that helped his baby

A Carlow man is behind a new Irish World Cup 2026 song in support of the Republic of Ireland’s campaign and in aid of the National Maternity Hospital Foundation, Holles Street.

The new song titled “Heimir and the Boys in Green” has been created by passionate Irish football supporters Barry Doyle of Co. Carlow and Neil Durnin from Dundalk, with the music video produced by Davy Boland of Racing’s Inside Track TV.

The pair were inspired to write and release the song after Troy Parrott’s late goal in Budapest, which sparked the idea of putting together a musical tribute to get behind the Boys in Green while also raising awareness and funds for Holles Street.

Barry, who runs the Champ.ie Horse Racing Podcast and is a lifelong FAI season ticket holder, met his wife Emma while supporting the Irish football team in France at Euro 2016. Twelve months ago, after the birth of their son Theo, both Barry and Emma witnessed firsthand the care, expertise and support of all the staff at the National Maternity Hospital when Theo spent a short time in the NICU.

Their son is now a thriving one-year-old thanks to the care of the team at NMH.

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Speaking about the new Irish football song, Barry Doyle said: “We had a great time putting this together. My family will be forever grateful to the staff and medics at The National Maternity Hospital.

“After one of the most memorable Irish football results in Budapest, Neil and I thought it was the perfect opportunity to get behind The Boys In Green with a song building up to the playoffs in March and the World Cup itself, fingers crossed.

“Just like the Irish team needs our support on the field, Holles Street really needs our support off the field to raise some much needed funds to continue their amazing work day to day,” he added.

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“If anyone enjoys the song and it raises a smile, please consider donating to the National Maternity Hospital Foundation, Holles Street by clicking the donation link in the YouTube video description.”

The National Maternity Hospital Foundation exists to raise vital funds for the National Maternity Hospital, with a focus on advancing women’s and neonatal health through funding, research, innovation and excellence in care. Funds raised help to invest in research, vital equipment and technology to support the care teams and services that look after mothers and tiny babies 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

People can donate to the National Maternity Hospital Foundation, Holles Street at www.idonate.ie/heimirandtheboysingreen