Alan Kavanagh Wins 2013 IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Contest
Singer/songwriter Alan Kavanagh from Ashbourne, Co. Meath was crowned winner of the prestigious IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Contest 2013 on Saturday night in Tralee, Co Kerry with his winning song “Bitter Man”.
25 year old Alan released his first single while studying for a music degree in Dundalk Institute of Technology and has since gone on to support artists such as Luan Parle, The Coronas and has performed with Christy Dignam.
The live final of the third annual IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Contest took place on Saturday, 19th October at The Carlton Hotel, Tralee. Ten finalists, selected from over 200 entries from across Ireland and beyond, performed their songs in front of a live audience and panel of expert judges. The winning songwriter was presented with a cheque for €1,000, courtesy of Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) and Tralee Chamber Alliance by Jimmy Deenihan T.D., Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht who attended the event.
Special guest performances on the night came from Christie’s daughter and son, Hermione Hennessy and Tim Ross, and RTÉ star, Aonghus McAnally, who performed some of Christie’s most well-known songs.
Speaking of his win, Alan said:
“It was such an honour to have my name next to some of the country’s finest songwriters and to win was just such a surprise. The feedback and support that ‘Bitter Man’ has received since has been unbelievable.
A great weekend all together and I am just so happy to have been part of the event which supports home grown talent.”
The IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Contest takes place as a tribute to the life and music of one of Tralee’s most famous sons. Christie grew up in a house full of music in Tralee and went on to become one of Ireland’s best known singer-songwriters. Among his songs which went on to be recorded by other artists were “All The Lies That You Told Me” performed by Frances Black, “Don’t Forget Your Shovel” performed by Christy Moore and “Oh Jealous Heart” performed by Moya Brennan.
Alan’s winning song, “Bitter Man”, is now available for download on iTunes .
