Recognition for Athlone’s legendary tenor John Count McCormack – McFadden

Fine Gael TD for Longford/Westmeath, Gabrielle McFadden, has said that a range of excellent initiatives to mark the life and works of Athlone’s famous son, John Count McCormack, give due recognition to a man who was the most celebrated tenor of his era.

“It was an honour and a privilege to be in attendance at a special commemorative event on Friday last, October 24^th, for what was a very historic occasion. Successive Athlone Town Councils have invested in efforts to recognise the legendary status of tenor John Count McCormack, who was a global superstar in in his day.

“Over a number of years as a Councillor, I proposed and called for a dedicated exhibition featuring John McCormack and I’m now delighted that we have this exhibition space at Athlone Castle commemorating the singer’s life and work.

“The exhibition area along with a magnificent new sculpture of the tenor by Rory Breslin, the new walkway tour devised by Gearóid O’Brien and the newly named John Count McCormack Square outside the Civic Offices marks the culmination of hard work by many people in Athlone and beyond.

“These initiatives not only duly recognise the legendary singer but from a tourism perspective, they are sure to attract more visitors to the town and increase footfall into the Castle.

“I believe all of this is the start of bigger and better things. In the long-term, I would like to see an expanded standalone John McCormack audio-visual centre along with a summer school and festival, which could incorporate a ‘Voice of Ireland’ international tenor competition.

“I’m very proud as the local TD for Athlone that we are now finally paying due tribute to a man whose musical prowess has enthralled so many of us and will continue to do so for generations to come.”