Celtic Thunder - Irish Independent

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Celtic Thunder first along Fifth Avenue
by Richie Taylor in New York

Celtic Thunder with former President Mary Robinson

It could only happen in America!

Ireland's latest musical export Celtic Thunder was lined up to play the Governor's Breakfast at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel on St Patrick's Day.

There was only one slight problem -- Governor Eliot Spitzer had resigned in disgrace the week before. And his replacement wasn't being sworn in until noon.

But the show went ahead, with Irish Education & Science Minister Mary Hanafin acting as the senior politician in the world-famous venue, which was packed out with Irish-Americans.

Undeterred by the early hour and the absence of the governor, the five-piece delivered harmonic versions of Caledonia, Steal Away and, especially for the weekend that was in it, Danny Boy.

"Only we could play a Governor's Breakfast with no governor. I've sung at livelier funerals to be honest," quipped group member Paul Byram, the wise-cracker of the group as he climbed into the van for the next gig.

Aged from 14 up to 40, Celtic Thunder is the latest brainwave of Irish producer Sharon Browne, who previously guided Celtic Woman to fame in the US.

She hand-picked the five guys -- Paul, Damien McGinty, Ryan Kelly, George Donaldson and Keith Harkin -- at auditions in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Dressed in kilts, workman's boots and thick knee-high socks, they were then whisked off for the prestigious task of opening the parade on Fifth Avenue.

In the bitter cold of a traffic-free Fifth, they sang their hearts out to rapturous applause, with 14-year-old Damien getting cries of 'Puppy Love' after him from young female fans as he ran up the avenue.

It went out live on NBC, and a pre-recorded piece for Today was also screened early that morning. By midday in Manhattan, Celtic Thunder had almost become superstars as they were recognised everywhere they went.

Then they were off for a round of more radio and TV interviews, with each venue throwing a St Patrick's Day party in celebration.

©All Rights Reserved Celtic Thunder first along Fifth Avenue by Richie Taylor in New York Celtic Thunder with former President Mary Robinson It could only happen in America! Ireland's latest musical export Celtic Thunder was lined up to play the Governor's Breakfast at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel on St Patrick's Day. There was only one slight problem -- Governor Eliot Spitzer had resigned in disgrace the week before. And his replacement wasn't being sworn in until noon. But the show went ahead, with Irish Education & Science Minister Mary Hanafin acting as the senior politician in the world-famous venue, which was packed out with Irish-Americans. Undeterred by the early hour and the absence of the governor, the five-piece delivered harmonic versions of Caledonia, Steal Away and, especially for the weekend that was in it, Danny Boy. "Only we could play a Governor's Breakfast with no governor. I've sung at livelier funerals to be honest," quipped group member Paul Byram, the wise-cracker of the group as he climbed into the van for the next gig. Aged from 14 up to 40, Celtic Thunder is the latest brainwave of Irish producer Sharon Browne, who previously guided Celtic Woman to fame in the US. She hand-picked the five guys -- Paul, Damien McGinty, Ryan Kelly, George Donaldson and Keith Harkin -- at auditions in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland. Dressed in kilts, workman's boots and thick knee-high socks, they were then whisked off for the prestigious task of opening the parade on Fifth Avenue. In the bitter cold of a traffic-free Fifth, they sang their hearts out to rapturous applause, with 14-year-old Damien getting cries of 'Puppy Love' after him from young female fans as he ran up the avenue. It went out live on NBC, and a pre-recorded piece for Today was also screened early that morning. By midday in Manhattan, Celtic Thunder had almost become superstars as they were recognised everywhere they went. Then they were off for a round of more radio and TV interviews, with each venue throwing a St Patrick's Day party in celebration.

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