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IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Contest – A Tribute to his life and Music - Deenihan
Jimmy Deenihan TD Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht will this Saturday (19th October 2013) present the prizes at the IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Contest Final in the Carlton Hotel, Tralee, County Kerry.
The IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Contest, now in its third year, takes place as a tribute to the life and music of one of Tralee’s most famous sons. Ten finalists, selected from over 200 entries from across Ireland and beyond, will perform their songs in front of a live audience and panel of expert judges. The winning songwriter(s) will be presented with a cheque for €1,000, courtesy of Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) and Tralee Chamber Alliance.
The Song Contest is among a number of events taking place in Tralee over the course of the weekend of 18th to 20th October at the Carlton Hotel, Tralee, including live music with the Troubadour Club on Friday 18th, a songwriting workshop on Saturday 20th, a young songwriter’s showcase on Sunday 20th and a series of interactive workshops with the Whole World Band music platform throughout the weekend. Special guest performances on the night will come from Christie’s daughter, Hermione Hennessy, and RTÉ personality, Aonghus McAnally, who will perform some of Christie’s most well-known songs.
Speaking ahead of the event Minister Deenihan said “Christie grew up in a house full of music in Tralee and went on to become one of Ireland’s best known singer-songwriters. As a renowned songwriter, Christie wrote several songs that went on to become chart hits for other singers among them well known Don't Forget your Shovel, made famous by Christy Moore, and All the Lies that You Told Me, originally recorded by Frances Black. Irish music creators have played nationally and internationally for many generations and I am delighted, to have the honour of presenting the prize to the winner once again this year.”
The Christie Hennessy Song Contest is supported by Tralee Chamber Alliance, Radio Kerry, Kerry’s Eye, Tralee Advertiser, The Troubadour Club & The Carlton Hotel.