IRISH Tenor Finbar Wright has revealed that the POPE is responsible for his singing career .

The 46-year-old Corkman said he was bitten by the performing bug after appearing on stage with the Holy Father in the Phoenix Park 25 years ago. Finbar explained: "When the Pope came to Ireland, I was actually the deacon at the Mass in the park. Because of this I got to read the Gospel and sing some of the responses. I was only 21 so I suppose I was just a young, innocent boy.

The minute I stood on the stage with a million and-a-half people in front of me... sure what did they expect? I was bitten by the bug and there was no turning back." It changed his mind about the priesthood and he decided in 1987 it was not for him - a move which dissapointed his manager at the time.

Finbar said: "He was really annoyed because he wanted to market me as a singing priest and then I left. He was dissapointed for a while but then got over it eventually when my career took off anyway".

Although he left the priesthood, Finbar has remained pals with Liam Lawton and has not ruled out teaming up with his cleric pal for a duet in the future.

Finbar said: "We were in Maynooth College together- that's where we first teamed up". "Liam and I used to do a bit of singing there and I am delighted things are going well for him - he's very successful and has made religious music more popular which is to his credit."

Although Finbar left the priesthood he still has religion in his life. And he believes people need to have some kind of religion in their life to focus on. He said: "I did go cold on religion for a while but I have warmed up again. "I think it is important, especially when you look at what is going on in the world today - suicide and depression are rampant.

"Because of all these scandals in the Church, people have walked away a little bit from something that used to be a very strong foundation and a very firm anchor in their lives. "I think people probably need belief -I am not saying any particular belief but I think an essential part of our nature is to be spiritual. "Singing and music is very closely related to that but it is an essential part of our make up and one that you shouldn't ignore if you are to be healthy."

Finbar has just released a new album with his fellow Irish Tenors Anthony Kearns and John McDermott who has just rejoined the group after the departure of Ronan Tynan.

Finbar said: "The albwn is called Heritage and was recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra. "We are also doing our traditional dates in Belfast and Dublin over Christmas -including a show in Dublin's Point Depot on New Year's Eve. "

John was one of the founding members of the Irish Tenors but left to go solo shortly after the group reformed. "I actually replaced him first of all."

Although the Irish Tenors' successes have been followed by other Similar acts, Finbar said there is room on the music scene for everyone. He said: 'I mean, there are loads of rock bands out there so why not loads of light-classical acts. "Maybe it would be better though if the others came up with different kinds of names."

* In the original article "Finbar" is misnamed as "Finer" this has been corrected in the above.