By Dan Walsh at the opening of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025 in Wexford
At Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025’s opening, Anthony Kearns’ performance of Boolavogue on the Gig Rig stood out among the many energetic speeches. The kid from Kiltealy who sang for President Barrack Obama has now performed in the presence of President Michael D. Higgins.
As WexfordLocal.com presented the news many requests lamented the absence of Kearns’ wonderful singing. Well, using my now unwanted radio production skills and always thoughtful of the demands from listeners and readers, I recorded the Anthony Kearns’ rendition of Boolavogue in best quality audio… here it is… listen and enjoy!
Anthony Kearns from Kiltealy is an internationally acclaimed tenor, record producer and best known to his worldwide followers as a member of The Irish Tenors.
Kearns achieved success in 1993 after entering a national radio competition, “Ireland’s Search for a Tenor” on the Gay Byrne RTÉ Radio programme, a competition to celebrate the issuing of a new ten-pound note (called a “tenner”.) The only competitor with no formal training, Kearns won the competition at the finals, held on a city street in Dublin, singing The Impossible Dream and Danny Boy. One of his prizes was an appearance on Gay Byrne’s Late Late Show on RTÉ television. After winning the competition, he began training with the renowned Irish opera singer and vocal coach, Veronica Dunne, who had been a judge for the competition.
Kearns career took a leap in 1998 when Irish producer Bill Hughes and PBS joined forces to begin The Irish Tenors. Kearns, an original member of The Irish Tenors, collaborated with tenors Ronan Tynan, John McDermott, and Finbar Wright to net Gold, Platinum, and Double Platinum CD recognitions.
They continue to tour and produce CDs and are regarded as one of Ireland’s notable singing groups.
What is certain… Anthony Kearns’ professional delivery of Boolavogue to a local audience will always be remembered!
WexfordLocal.com 