Sarah Dolan and Simon Casey are guests on the UCH stage for Tynan’s concert on Wednesday June 2.
On his first tour in half a dozen years, Ronan Tynan arrives at UCH on Wednesday June 2 with guest singers, Limerick’s Sarah Dolan and Mr Simon Casey. Expect an 8pm programme with a full band for a night of Broadway hits, Irish songs, contemporary and classical favourites. writer and Paralympic winning athlete also, Ronan Tynan’s story is one in several million.
His twin brother died before his first birthday. Growing up he battled disabilities in his legs. And at 20 years old, he unexpectedly lost them both.
“I was involved in a very bad car accident,” says Tynan, “which resulted ultimately in both limbs having to be amputated. And yeah, this is a mind-changing event. More than ever I wanted to drive ahead. I wanted to succeed in all the things I had in my mind.”
Within weeks Tynan was climbing stairs on artificial limbs. Months later he was training in various track-and-field events. And within years he was winning gold medals in the Paralympic Games.
He also became the first disabled person to attend Ireland’s National College of Physical Education. It’s a list of accomplishments more than enough for one lifetime, and he did all of it “before” he started singing professionally. And when he took up the musical life, he became one of the world’s most accomplished singers.
Tynan has sung with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir; he has met the Pope, and he sang at President Ronald Reagan’s funeral. In one of several events that made him world famous, he belted out God Bless America at Yankee Stadium in the weeks following 9/11.
See www.uch.ie for tickets.
Mayor Kevin Kiely is to hold a mayoral reception for Ronan Tynan when he visits Limerick to play a concert in UCH next Wednesday June 2.
The reception will take place in the City Council chamber, City Hall, Merchant’s Quay at 3pm on the Wednesday.
The tenor actually started his singing career in Limerick, representing the city in the RTE’S first national talent competition ‘Go For It’. He won the title in University Concert Hall in front of a huge National TV audience.
“I spent my formative years in Limerick”, Tynan says. “And I have great memories from it, which I will never forget. I am delighted to accept Mayor Kiely’s invitation next Wednesday and am looking forward to it very much”.
