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Swept Away Restoration & Carpet Cleaning

Joana Ruffo
PO Box 1134 Ashland, Oregon 97520
Contractor's Bio

Water Damage Restoration in Eugene, OR

Owning a home or business is one of the hallmarks of living the American Dream. While there are many fulfilling and positive aspects of owning property, one of the challenges that owners face is property damage. This type of damage can be caused by a range of disasters, both man-made and natural. Of all the types of property damage, water damage is among the most common.

Whether from broken pipes or heavy thunderstorms, it doesn't take a professor from University of Oregon in Eugene to know that water damage can be incredibly harmful to your home. Water can spread quickly throughout your property, causing damage to furniture and porous materials as it moves. In the blink of an eye, you could be looking at substantial rotting, warping, and even mold growth. That's why water damage restoration in Eugene, OR is so important - to mitigate the damage to your home and help prevent it from happening in the future.

Trying to overcome flooding and other water-related disasters on your own can seem like a lost cause. But with Disaster Response by your side, you don't have to lose hope. As a local water damage clean-up company, we provide comprehensive restoration services to properties of all sizes in Eugene. From the first time we assess your water damage to the time we mitigate and restore, we're here for you.

Disaster Review

What Our Clients Are Saying

Dealing with property damage can be overwhelming. You're likely concerned about a few key things:

insurance claim process
Navigating the insurance claim process

We guide you through every step, ensuring you understand the process and get the most out of your claim.

quality completion
Scheduling for a quick and quality completion

We provide a clear timeline for restoration, prioritizing both speed and quality, so you can get back to normal as soon as possible.

You might also be thinking about:

safety and health

Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.

assessment

Understanding the full scope of the damage and what needs to be done:We conduct a thorough assessment of the damage and provide a detailed plan of action, so you know exactly what to expect.

expenses

Knowing the costs upfront and avoiding unexpected expenses: We provide transparent pricing and a detailed estimate before any work begins, so there are no surprises along the way.

structural

Preventing future issues, such as mold growth or structural problems: We don't just fix the visible damage—we address the root causes to prevent future issues, giving you peace of mind.

Protecting

Protecting your belongings and valuables from further damage: We take extra care to safeguard your possessions during the restoration process, minimizing any further impact.

You might also be thinking
might also be thinking
Minimizing

Minimizing disruption to your daily life or business operations: We work efficiently and flexibly to reduce the disruption to your routine, allowing you to continue with your life or business as smoothly as possible.

trustworthy

Finding a trustworthy team to handle your property with care: Our experienced and highly-trained professionals treat your property as if it were their own, ensuring the highest standard of care.

Ensuring

Ensuring the job is done right the first time: We pride ourselves on doing the job right the first time, using industry-leading techniques and thorough quality checks to ensure lasting results.

updates

Receiving clear communication and updates throughout the restoration process: We keep you informed every step of the way, providing regular updates and clear communication, so you're never left in the dark.

involved

Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.

At Disaster Response

At Disaster Response, It's All About You

Like Shelton McMurphey Johnson House in Eugene, Disaster Response has been a pillar of the community for years. As a second-generation disaster response company, we know that our work is never about us. At its most basic, it's always about you—your situation, your needs, and your satisfaction. We engineer our processes to help you quickly recover from water floods and disasters. Our total focus is on you, our valued customer. And that, in a nutshell, is what makes Disaster Response one of the most trusted and highly-rated water restoration companies in Eugene.

Instead of focusing on profit, bottom lines, and yearly projections, we make you our priority. That's why we're serious about providing expert-level disaster preparedness and response services when you need them the most. Could you imagine trying to decipher misleading fine print or dealing with a pushy salesperson when you're just trying to get your life back together? That's not the Disaster Response way, and it never will be.

We don't just clean up after water leaks, floods, or other disasters; we go above and beyond by providing a consultative approach that serves you for years to come. We assist you in dealing with insurance adjusters to ensure you get the coverage you deserve without unnecessary delays. We make it a point to meticulously review every detail of your claim and work hard to make sure adjusters understand the full extent of your losses. We can also provide guidance on how and when to engage a public adjuster to bypass inefficiencies in the insurance process. At the end of the day, we strive to provide peace of mind during your difficult time and work tirelessly to get your property back to its pre-loss condition.

The Disaster Response Difference

number-one

Professional Technicians, Technology, and Processes

In fact, we'll dispatch a team of water disaster technicians to you within three minutes. We'll also advise you on what can be done to minimize the water damage in your home or business. Our water damage restoration team will use cutting-edge technology and IICRC-approved methods to restore as much of your property as possible.

number-two

Insurance Advocacy

Disaster Response works one-on-one with you and your insurance provider to expedite the claims process and get your home back to normal as soon as possible.

number-three

Satisfaction Guaranteed

We're proud of our work and stand behind every project we complete. Our goal is to exceed expectations and provide peace of mind throughout every step of your water damage restoration process. If you're not satisfied for any reason, we'll listen to your concerns and work tirelessly to rectify any issues that need addressing.

Disaster-Response Difference
Disaster Owner

Joana Ruffo

Swept Away Restoration & Carpet Cleaning

Disaster Response Introducing Swept Away Restoration & Carpet Cleaning: The Premier Choice for Emergency Clean-Up**

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From water and fire damage to mold remediation, ( Swept Away Restoration & Carpet Cleaning ) doesn't just follow industry norms-they set new ones. Our rigorous vetting process ensures that ( Swept Away Restoration & Carpet Cleaning ) exceeds expectations, delivering cutting-edge solutions for your emergency needs.

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PO Box 1134 Ashland, Oregon 97520

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Guide-Water-Damage.png

Your Guide to Water Damage Restoration in Eugene, OR

Water damage restoration is a key step in remediating damage to your home, both structurally and aesthetically. Damage from water doesn't just affect the walls, floors, and ceilings in your home. It can also cause deeper issues that, when untreated, can weaken your foundation significantly and lead to long-term instability.

As if that weren't enough, water damage can present health hazards to your friends, family, and pets. Mold and bacteria can grow in damp areas after water incidents, causing allergies, respiratory problems, and even visits to Oaktree Residential Living in Eugene for examination. Ignoring water damage can also result in irreversible harm to your belongings, including furniture, electronics, and sentimental items, leading to financial loss and emotional distress. Professional water clean-up services can repair the damage to your property, help protect valuable assets, and re-establish your home or business as a safe, healthy environment for occupants.

What Makes Our Water Damage Company in Eugene, OR, Different from Others?

One of the most common questions we get at Disaster Response is, "What separates you from other water damage clean-up companies in Eugene?" The first and easiest answer to that question centers around our commitment to customer service. We hold our clients in high regard because, without them, there would be no Disaster Response. As such, we work tirelessly to provide them with quality work from friendly and helpful technicians, regardless of the size of their home or business.

But that's just the start. Our clients recommend friends and family to our business because we prioritize the following:

Investing-damage

Cost

Investing in damage restoration for your home is a smart move that can help reduce long-term costs. The best part? Our services are covered by insurance companies, so there's less worry about paying out of pocket.

specialized training

Technicians

Every member of our team has years of experience, specialized training, and certifications in handling water damage. We prioritize our customers' well-being and meticulously attend to every detail to prevent any potential mold-related issues in the future. From single-family homes to

disasters happen quicker

Time

Water disasters happen quicker than you might think. One moment, you're enjoying family time at Skinner Butte Park in Eugene. The next, you're pulling in your driveway to a flooded home. When you call our office, we'll get to work assessing the cause of your water damage and how extensive the water damage is in your home or business. From there, we'll dispatch a team of IICRC water damage restoration experts to your location.

significant investments

Tools

Disaster Response has made significant investments in cutting-edge water damage equipment, including inspection tools that enable thorough water removal. Our technicians have undergone extensive training to operate these machines and know when and when not to use them.

helping with water damage

Process

For over 40 years, we have been helping with water damage issues, refining our process along the way. We can quickly find hidden damages that others might miss and document everything for your insurance company.

Reliable Water Damage

Reliable Water Damage Restoration Network

We aren't afraid to ask for help if it means a safer, more enjoyable environment for your family or customers. In fact, we have access to a network of industry pros who are experts in a range of water damage services. To make your life a little easier, we also work with insurance professionals who assist with the claims process.

What Does Disaster Response Fix?

As an IICRC-certified water damage contractor in Eugene, OR, our technicians can address several areas of your home or business that have been damaged by a water disaster.

  • Floors: It's very important to take the necessary time and steps to effectively dry your floors to prevent any potential water damage and mold growth in the future.
  • Walls: Depending on the amount of water that enters your business or home, the structural integrity of your property may be at stake. Our technicians will evaluate the situation, inspect your property, and replace materials damaged by water.
  • Rugs: If your rugs get wet during flooding or from another water disaster, they may be salvageable. We'll work hard to save all the rugs in your property.
  • Furniture: Your furniture is probably expensive and may hold a certain level of sentimental value. Instead of throwing it away or donating it to Museum of Natural and Cultural History in Eugene, we can repair and restore it.
Disaster Response Fix

Disaster Response specializes in every kind of damage caused by rain, wind, or snowstorms. We handle water damage, mold, mildew, and more, and can be at your home or office within an hour of your call to assess the situation and put a water damage restoration plan into action.

What Tools Does Disaster Response Use for Water Damage Clean-Up?

We only use the best equipment! With our extensive experience in the Eugene restoration industry, we've acquired state-of-the-art tools designed to tackle a wide range of challenges. This experience has also allowed our technicians to identify which type of equipment is best for a particular situation. Some of the most common water damage restoration tools we use include:

Infrared

Infrared Cameras

Our infrared cameras give us the ability to see moisture in walls and ceilings that is not visible to the naked eye, almost like having "X-ray" vision. This capability allows us to detect and address trapped and hidden humidity, significantly reducing the risk of mold growth.

Moisture

Moisture Meters

We use moisture meters to measure moisture levels in cellulose material. Before and after the drying process, we will conduct moisture readings in all areas of your property. If we detect moisture in an unaffected area of your building, we'll get to work quickly to dry it.

Air Movers

Air Movers

This equipment is designed to work in conjunction with our dehumidifiers. While our dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air and convert it to a liquid, our Air Mover helps to circulate this moisture in the air so that the dehumidifier can effectively remove it.

Generators

Ozone Generators

These advanced tools enable us to cleanse affected surfaces and the air in a more effective manner. Ozone Generators work by causing oxygen molecules to implode, making them a valuable deodorization tool.

Xtractor

Xtreme Xtractor

This tool is great for tackling tough moisture after water damage. It allows us to apply direct pressure to a surface, like a carpet, that has soaked up water. The pressure helps draw out the water, making it easier to remove.

Top 3 Types of Water Damage You Should Know About

Water damage can strike without warning and can wreak havoc on your property, leaving you feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. Whether it's from a burst pipe, a severe storm, or an overflowing appliance, your property needs immediate water damage clean-up in Eugene, OR, to prevent further harm. Here are the top three types of water damage you should know about:

Clean Water Damage

Clean Water Damage

Clean

This type of water damage happens from a "clean" source, such as rainwater or a broken pipe in your home. It's easier to clean up than others on this list but can still cause extensive property damage when ignored.

Gray Water Damage

Gray Water Damage

Gray-Water

Gray water damage stems from appliances such as toilets without feces, washing machines, and dishwashers. Gray water sometimes contains bacteria and contaminants that can make you or your family sick.

Black Water Damage

Black Water Damage

Black-Water

The name alone indicates the severity of this type of water damage. It's caused by backed-up sewer lines, river flooding, and standing water that supports bacteria growth. Black water presents serious health hazards and needs to be handled by professional water damage contractors.

If you suspect your home or business has been damaged by one or more of the types of water above, take the following steps:

Stop the Source of Water
  • Be Safe: Turn off all electricity running through your property. Don't go near or touch any water you believe to be contaminated.
  • Stop the Source of Water: If you're able, put a stop to the water at its source. That way, you can prevent more damage.
  • Call Disaster Response: Contact our water damage company ASAP for water restoration services. Our team is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies.

Our Process for Water Damage Restoration in Eugene, OR

Having a water damage restoration company by your side who knows how to remediate moisture is a key factor in getting your life back on track. At Disaster Response, we have refined our process over 40+ years of water damage clean-up experience. That way, we can provide customers with reliable, comprehensive service when they need it the most.

We utilize powerful pumps and vacuums to eliminate standing water from your property. Swift water removal is essential in minimizing damage and lowering the likelihood of mold growth. Our team is dedicated to ensuring efficient water extraction to prevent any additional complications.

After extracting water from your property, we dry and dehumidify the impacted areas. We use industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to do so to eliminate moisture from walls, floors, and furniture. Proper drying helps prevent warping, swelling, and the growth of mold.

Whenever we deal with water damage, we have to address the potential contaminants and bacteria that can enter your home. We make sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize all affected areas to create a safe living environment. This involves cleaning carpets, upholstery, and personal belongings. Our technicians also use antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold and bacterial growth.

The final step in the process is the restoration of your home to its pre-damage condition. This comprehensive restoration process may encompass a range of tasks, from minor repairs such as replacing drywall and installing new carpeting to major reconstruction efforts. Rest assured that Disaster Response is fully equipped to manage all aspects of water damage restoration, from start to finish.

  • Maintenance: Have your business or home's roof, appliances, and plumbing inspected by professionals to spot early signs of wear and tear.
  • Water Alarms: If there is a flood or leak in your home, a water alarm can alert you so that you can take action immediately.
  • Drainage: Your home needs proper drainage systems in place at all times. To prevent water buildup, be sure to unclog your downspouts and gutters.
  • Cracks and Gaps: Be sure to seal up any cracks and gaps in your property's foundation to limit water from getting inside.
Disaster Response Fix

The Water Damage Company in Eugene, OR, You Can Trust

When you want a great steak, you don't go to a fast-food joint and expect a filet. You go to a rye in Eugene. When you need quality disaster response services from licensed professionals, you don't go to a fly-by-night shop. You contact Disaster Response.

As a local water damage clean-up business, we believe that providing clients with effective service that they can rely on in times of stress is of utmost importance. While some of our competitors prioritize profits over people, you can rest easy knowing we care about you - and that's something you can always count on when you choose our water damage company.

Whether a pipe has burst in your commercial space and your showroom is flooding, or your home has standing water from a Eugene rainstorm, we're here for you 24/7. Contact our office to learn more about the Disaster Response difference or to schedule an inspection for your property today.

Contact Your Emergency Disaster Response Now!

Latest News in Eugene, OR

Father-son duo Eugene and Dan Levy's dazzling entrance at the Emmys

The father-son duo, known for their acclaimed work on the hit comedy series 'Schitt's Creek,' arrived at the red carpet in coordinating yet distinct suit looks. Dan wore a sharp black suit jacket and pants with a white blouse featuring a sculptural neckline that seemed to float away. He capped off the look with black dress shoes and his signature thick black glasses.The 76th Primetime Emmy Awards is a star studded affair that is taking place at the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles. The ceremony will be hosted by a father-son du...

The father-son duo, known for their acclaimed work on the hit comedy series 'Schitt's Creek,' arrived at the red carpet in coordinating yet distinct suit looks. Dan wore a sharp black suit jacket and pants with a white blouse featuring a sculptural neckline that seemed to float away. He capped off the look with black dress shoes and his signature thick black glasses.

The 76th Primetime Emmy Awards is a star studded affair that is taking place at the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles. The ceremony will be hosted by a father-son duo, Eugene Levy and Dan Levy, who are making history as the first pair to co-host the prestigious event. The father-son duo, known for their acclaimed work on the hit comedy series 'Schitt's Creek,' arrived at the red carpet in coordinating yet distinct suit looks.Dan wore a sharp black suit jacket and pants with a white blouse featuring a sculptural neckline that seemed to float away. He capped off the look with black dress shoes and his signature thick black glasses. His father took a more classic approach in a dark navy double-breasted suit, white shirt, and poppy blue tie. He, too, wore his signature round glasses. This year's Emmys come four years after 'Schitt's Creek' swept the awards in 2020, with the show taking home nine trophies, including Outstanding Comedy Series. Eugene won the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series award, while Dan was recognized for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. In his acceptance speech, Eugene praised had his son, saying, "I also want to thank, once again, this young man who took our fish-out-of-water story about the Rose family and transformed it into a celebration of inclusivity, a castigation of homophobia, and a declaration of the power of love." Tonight's 76th Emmy Awards will feature a star-studded lineup of presenters, including Jimmy Kimmel, Selena Gomez, Viola Davis, Colin Farrell, Lily Gladstone, Mindy Kaling, Steve Martin, and Kristen Wiig. The event, hosted by father-son duo Eugene and Dan Levy, promises a celebration of television excellence, with top-nominated shows like Shōgun, The Bear, and Baby Reindeer vying for awards.

Vir Das: The First Indian to Host The Emmys, Receives Support From Bollywood Stars

Also See: Best Hollywood Movies Of 2024 | Top Rated English Movies Of 2024 | Latest Hollywood Movies

Live with the Levys! Everything to know about the Emmys 2024

The 76th Primetime Emmy Awards are upon us.TV’s biggest night will honor the best in television on Sunday, Sept. 15, live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.The show comes months after the delayed 2023 awards show took place in January due to the Hollywood writers’ and actors’ strikes.&l...

The 76th Primetime Emmy Awards are upon us.

TV’s biggest night will honor the best in television on Sunday, Sept. 15, live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

The show comes months after the delayed 2023 awards show took place in January due to the Hollywood writers’ and actors’ strikes.

“Schitt’s Creek” stars Eugene and Dan Levy will host the ceremony, making them the first-ever father-son duo to do so.

Viewers will see the most talked-about shows from June 1st, 2023 to May 31, 2024 honored, including “The Bear,” which has 23 nods, and the historical drama “Shōgun,” adapted from author James Clavell’s 1975 novel, with 25 nominations.

Apple TV+’s comedy-drama “Palm Royale” also secured 11 nominations.

Keep scrolling for all the details on the coveted award show.

When is the show airing?

The awards ceremony will air live from LA’s Peacock Theater on ABC Sunday, Sept. 15, at 8 p.m. EST / 5 p.m. ET and run for three hours. The ceremony will be available to stream on Hulu the next day until September 22.

If you don’t have cable and want to watch live, Hulu + Live TV (with a three-day free trial included) is a great way to tune in, since ABC is included in the base package. You can also watch it live on Sling TV Blue, which does not offer a free trial.

HULU + LIVE TV

Is there a red carpet?

Hollywood’s favorite stars, of course, will be showing off their award season looks outside the venue before the show.

The Official Emmys Pre-Show begins at 7 p.m. EST with “Good Morning America’s” Robin Roberts and ABC correspondent Will Reeve kicking off the coverage.

The carpet will also stream live on NBC and E! News’ Twitter, eonline.com, Today All Day on today.com, and the E! News app.

Who is hosting the Emmys?

It was announced in August that “Schitt’s Creek” stars Eugene and Dan Levy would take the stage together to host the 76th Emmys.

“For two Canadians who won our Emmys in a literal quarantine tent, the idea of being asked to host this year in an actual theater was incentive enough,” the Levys said in a statement at the time. “We’re thrilled to be able to raise a glass to this extraordinary season of television and can’t wait to spend the evening with you all on Sept 15.”

Eugene, 77, and Dan, 41, are no strangers to making Emmys history. In 2020, they became the first father and son to win awards in the same year. Eugene took home the statue for Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, while Dan won for Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, both for their respective roles in “Schitt’s Creek.”

Both men also won the Outstanding Comedy category as executive producers. Dan went on to pick up Emmys for writing and directing for his work on the series.

Who are this year’s nominees?

This year, Netflix received a whopping 107 nominations, including “The Crown” (18), “Ripley” (13), “Baby Reindeer” (11), “3 Body Problem” (6) and the David Beckham docuseries “Beckham” (5).

FX landed 93 nominations, cutting it close to HBO/Max’s 91 nods.

While FX was led by “Shōgun” and “The Bear,” HBO/Max’s noms came from “True Detective: Night Country” (19) and “Hacks (17).”

Meanwhile, Apple TV+ had 72 nominations, a record for the streaming platform. “The Morning Show” led with 16, while “Palm Royale” followed behind with 11. The limited series “Lessons in Chemistry” had 10, while “Slow Horses” received 9.

Who is presenting?

A-listers who will be appear include Kristen Wiig, Viola Davis, Lily Gladstone and “Only Murders in the Building” stars Selena Gomez, Steve Martin and Martin Short.

Also on the list of presenters are Dick Van Dyke, Colin Farrell, Matt Bomer, Joshua Jackson, Mindy Kaling, Don Johnson, Jimmy Kimmel, Greta Lee, John Leguizamo, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, George Lopez, Martin Sheen and Jean Smart.

Eugene and Dan Levy Bring Charming Jokes and Canadian Manners to 2024 Emmys Monologue

Eugene and Dan Levy delivered a charmingly lighthearted monologue to open the 76th Emmy Awards — “Also known as, broadcast TV’s biggest night for honoring movie stars on streaming services,” Dan quipped.The father-son duo kept things short and sweet, lightly roasting this year’s nominated ...

Eugene and Dan Levy delivered a charmingly lighthearted monologue to open the 76th Emmy Awards — “Also known as, broadcast TV’s biggest night for honoring movie stars on streaming services,” Dan quipped.

The father-son duo kept things short and sweet, lightly roasting this year’s nominated programs, the television industry, the television-watching audience, and, of course, themselves. At one point, Eugene spoke about all the fathers he’d played over the course of his career, but told his son, “My most rewarding dad role ever has been being your dad… in Schitt’s Creek. Because it got me my first acting Emmy.”

Elsewhere, Eugene celebrated all the positive ways great TV reflects our lives — whether we’ve struggled to make friends in a new city like Carrie Coon in The Gilded Age, or had a teacher that’s changed our lives like Quinta Brunson in Abbot Elementary. Dan echoed the sentiment, joking about all of us who’ve had a “co-dependent, borderline homoerotic relationship with our boss, like Hannah Einbinder in Hacks.”

The pair later celebrated Shogun for already making Emmy history with its 14 Creative Arts Emmy victories, which already makes it the most decorated show in a single season. Dan praised the hit program’s attention to detail, noting the way scripts were written in English, translated to Japanese, re-written, and then translated back into English subtitles “that you missed because you were also on your phone watching Sabrina Carpenter eat a hot wing.”

And Eugene peeled off a superb quip about The Bear, noting it was nominated for 23 Emmys, making it the most-nominated comedy in Emmys history. “Now, I love the show, and I know some of you might be expecting us to make a joke about whether The Bear is really a comedy,” Eugene said. “But in the true spirit of The Bear, we will not be making any jokes.”

The Levys closed out their monologue with a not unfamiliar awards show request: To keep things moving along during acceptance speeches, please, for the sake of time. But their plea was borne out of a very particular anxiety: “In what can only be described as a cruel joke, two Canadians have been put in charge of playing you off tonight,” Dan deadpanned.

“Canadians don’t like interrupting anybody,” Eugene added. “It goes against our nature.”

While the Emmys have often featured multiple hosts over the years, this is the first time in the show’s history that a father and son have helmed TV’s big night together. The event also gives the pair a chance to take the Emmys stage together, in person, after Schitt’s Creek swept the comedy categories in 2020, but everyone had to accept their awards virtually because of Covid-19.

In a recent interview with the Los Angeles Times, the Levys spoke about the gig, with Dan revealing they’d been asked before, but saying “it didn’t feel like the right time for whatever reason.” When they were asked to host this time, Dan quipped, “I think I ran out of reasons not to do it. It seemed like a fun little challenge — not little, quite huge actually.”

Eugene added: “We were both obviously kind of nervous, because it’s kind of a tough thing to do — you’re letting yourself out there and whatever, whatever, is it worth it? We could coast into the fall quite easily without doing this and have a fun time watching it on TV. But I guess something was drawing us into it — like, we could do it, it could be fun. We opened the SAG Awards a few years ago, and we had a ball doing it, and also it turned out really well; it seemed to work, and we got a taste of what that’s like. So we jumped in and said yes. And what can happen, really?”

Between them the Levys have eight Emmy awards, with four each. Eugene won his first two in the Eighties, both for Outstanding Writing in a Variety or Music Program for SCTV, while he picked up his other two in 2020: Outstanding Comedy Series and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy for Schitt’s Creek. Dan also received the Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series that year, along with Supporting Actor in a Comedy, Directing for a Comedy, and Writing for a Comedy. He was most recently nominated in 2021 for hosting Saturday Night Live.

The Priests: After 50 years on stage, it’s time for Fathers Eugene, Martin and David to say goodbye

IT is just a regular working day in the priesthood for Fr Martin O’Hagan, his brother, Fr Eugene, and their long-time friend and musical collaborator, Fr David Delargy – better known collectively as The Priests.Individually, they have dealt with everything from parishioner emergencies to future strategy planning on the morning I ring to chat about what is, in many ways, their biggest event yet – their retirement.The ...

IT is just a regular working day in the priesthood for Fr Martin O’Hagan, his brother, Fr Eugene, and their long-time friend and musical collaborator, Fr David Delargy – better known collectively as The Priests.

Individually, they have dealt with everything from parishioner emergencies to future strategy planning on the morning I ring to chat about what is, in many ways, their biggest event yet – their retirement.

The popular priestly trio are set to quit the big stage – but will, on occasions, grace some smaller ones - with a series of farewell concerts beginning this month and finishing with a last hurrah at the Ulster Hall, Belfast, in January next year.

It is fair to say the Time To Say Goodbye concert tour has taken fans and parishioners somewhat by surprise, but after 50 years singing together and travelling the globe, 2024 is a good a year to bow out, reflects Fr Eugene – chancellor and vicar general of the Diocese of Down and Connor - who admits he will miss “the buzz” of big audience events.

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“When we signed our recording contract with Sony in 2008, we had a line put in it that said our music career would never encroach on our diocesan work,” he explains, “but as times change and we get a little older, this is becoming more difficult to coordinate. Our 50th anniversary seems the right time to step back from performing live as a group.”

As Fr David, parish priest of the Loughshore Parishes of Greencastle, Whitehouse and St James (incorporating Whiteabbey and Greenisland) puts it: “Our circumstances have changed a lot since we started out – when I began, I had a small parish and there were two of us: myself and a retired priest. Now I am 17 years older and my energy levels are not quite the same.

“At the same time, my responsibilities have increased... I now have three parishes – four churches – to look after and there is only myself to do it. So, if I do have to be away at a concert somewhere, it’s not just as straightforward finding a replacement.”

Despite this, it hasn’t been an easy decision to say ‘goodbye’ to The Priests, with Fr Martin, parish priest of Newtownards and Comber, acknowledging it will be “a wrench”, particularly since all three voices remain “in good trim”.

“It will be quite a wrench, really,” he says, “but it will be nice to go out with a sense of celebration and great thanks to God and to all those who have contributed to our journey over the years.”

That very “unexpected journey” began quietly back in 1974 when all three were musically-minded schoolboys (nicknamed ‘Holy,’ ‘Holy’, ‘Holy’ by their peers) at St MacNissi’s College in Carnlough (now St Killian’s College, aka Garron Tower) enthusiastically took part in the annual Christmas shows – the first one The Pirates of Penzance when 11-year-old David played Kate – “I had a high soprano voice” – Martin played Edith and Eugene was Major General Stanley.

Our circumstances have changed a lot since we started out... I now have three parishes – four churches – to look after and there is only myself to do it. So, if I do have to be away at a concert somewhere, it’s not just as straightforward finding a replacement

— Fr David Delargy

All three studied at Queen’s in Belfast and had vocation training at the seminary, also in Belfast - during which they studied music under singing teacher Frank Capper. Then, some years into their priestly ministries, in 2008 everything changed.

“We had been singing together at local venues at that stage, but it is a funny story how we ended up being signed to Sony,” Fr Eugene recounts. “As priests, we were invited to audition for a part chanting Latin Mass, linking songs on a proposed album of religious music, when people at the Epic label – part of the Sony family - became interested in our back story and decided to set aside the original project and sign us up for an album instead. What happened afterwards came as a complete surprise, completely out of the blue...”

After signing their record deal on the steps of London’s Westminster Abbey, the three became Guinness World Record holders after The Priests, became the fastest selling debut for a classical act in the UK, also earning them gold and platinum discs for sales throughout Europe and Australia and topping the classical Billboard chart in the USA.

They were heady days and, in the years since, three more albums followed, as well as a documentary, a book (Soul Song) various overseas tours, royal receptions and performances for high-profile audience members including Pope Francis in 2013 in Rome.

But, as working priests, they didn’t let it all go to their heads. “If it did,” observes Father David wryly, “it didn’t stick there for very long. The thing is, when you move into that world, people praise you, they tell you that you are wonderful, they lay it on thick... you find yourself being transported from the airport in a limousine – but I remember Eugene once saying: ‘Boys, we are having all these wonderful experiences, but be very careful that you don’t jump out of the bowl you were baked in.’”

Certainly, a sobering visit to a project helping impoverished families in Thailand - being supported by their charitable foundation - was a stark reminder about how the world is unfairly divided into the haves and have-nots. During a visit to one family, Fr David was presented with a dish of pan-fried mosquitos - the very best the family could offer. He gamely took a forkful, but they stuck in his throat.

Behind the glamour and smiles back home, there was a time when all three felt something sticking in their throats. “When our success took off, it was great,” recalls Fr David. “It opened up another side of the clergy to people, but it was all happening at a very, very difficult time for the Catholic Church in Ireland.

“There were all sorts of negative stories in the press about abuses and how these had been mishandled and covered up. Bishops were being held to account and people were angry… I mean, priests were angry. I was angry.

“People were angry with the church and a lot of people were walking away, feeling let down and disillusioned. And there we were, sticking our necks out as singing priests and appearing on shows like The Jonathan Ross Show... it was frightening for us.

“But I think, in the end, it gave people something else to talk about and the music lifted spirits. I also think it gave a bit of encouragement to young men contemplating a vocation in the priesthood - it sent out a message that when you put yourself forward as a candidate, you don’t have to set aside your humanity, your personality or your talents - you bring all of that into priestly ministry with you. That’s who you are and that’s what you offer.”

One evening he suddenly said: ‘Martin, your toupee is looking very well this evening’. I just had to react on my feet, responding with a quick, ‘Excuse me, this is the real thing’, and tugging at my head

— Fr Martin O'Hagan

For all three, the legacy will be the sense of fun, as well as the music – and the many non-scripted moments that had Fr Martin literally pulling his hair out.

“The humour is very spontaneous on stage – and I never know what Eugene is going to come out with next,” he says, laughing.

“One evening he suddenly said: ‘Martin, your toupee is looking very well this evening’. I just had to react on my feet, responding with a quick, ‘Excuse me, this is the real thing’, and tugging at my head.

“Music is an amazing means of interpreting our journey through this world and I think when combined with faith, it comes alive, but I hope people also remember we were able to laugh and, even through secular music, bring a spiritual quality that touched lives.”

The Priests’ Time to Say Goodbye concerts take place across Ireland, beginning this month (September 27) in The Lark, Ballbriggan, Co Dublin, before moving to The Market Place, Armagh (November 8), The Braid, Ballymena (November 16), The Guildhall, Derry (December 21) and The Ulster Hall, Belfast (January 5). Tickets available from all venues or Ticketmaster

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