Irish children go viral with their 'song of the summer' The Spark

Kenneth Fox

A group of children from Cork and Clare have gone viral with their song 'The Spark', which some have labelled the song of the summer.

The song was released on May 16th in anticipation of Europe’s national free day of creativity for young people, Cruinniú na nÓg (Gathering of Youth).

The initiative from Creative Ireland, supported by RTÉ, includes events for children and young people around the country.

Since the song's release, it has amassed 8.8 million views on X and has been liked 26,000 times.

✨🎵 “I searched for my spark and I found it” ✨🎵

Cruinniú na nÓg, Europe’s only national free day of creativity for young people is back, with over 1,000 free activities, taking place on Saturday, June 15. 🎉#CruinniuNaNog - an initiative of @creativeirl, supported by @rte pic.twitter.com/jTejJdfeIF

— RTÉ (@rte) May 16, 2024

A group of over 30 children appear in the music video who are from Knocknaheeny, North Cork, as well as children living in refugee accommodation in Lisdoonvarna, Co Clare.

They joined forces to create the song with the help of youth rap project Rhyme Island at Kabin Studio in Cork. The song was produced by Garry McCarthy (GMCBeats).

The song has even gained the attention of international audiences, with the BBC and The Guardian covering the story.

People online have praised the song's "youthful optimism and energy", with many calling for the song to be released on music streaming platforms.

Garry McCarthy, creative director of the Kabin Studio, told BBC Radio 4: "It's amazing to see the recognition that it's getting internationally, just for something really positive.

"I think it's the reaction from adults which is amazing. They're looking at this and they're like, this is just pure fun."