At an event on Saturday 27th April, founding IMRO Chairman, Nenagh-born, Brendan Graham became the 2023 inductee into the Tipperary Hall of Fame.
The event, at the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel, hosted by the Tipperary Association of Dublin, saw Graham become the first songwriter to receive the honour, amongst the many legendary names of hurling greats, and others who have contributed to the sporting, cultural and community life of the Premier County.
Tipperary Association President, Tom Sherlock stated the songwriter’s induction was ‘For reaching the pinnacle of his profession on the world stage and bringing honour to Tipperary on the National and International Stage.’
The award by famed sculptor Jarlath Daly was presented by sponsor Willie Aherne of Dublin’s legendary Palace Bar in Fleet Street.
Singer Paul Harrington performed Graham’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Kids and You Raise Me Up.
2FM favourites, the Two Johnnies were honoured as Person of the Year.
This latest recognition adds to Graham’s IMRO Lifetime Achievement Award and multiple other awards over a long-spanning career, which has seen him write two Eurovision winners, the global phenomenon, which is You Raise Me Up and other classics such as Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears, Winter, Fire and Snow, and Crucán na bPáiste. Earlier this year, saw two sell-out concerts of his songs at the NCH in the company of the National Symphony Orchestra and a host of Ireland’s finest artistes.
This week marks the 30th Anniversary, of Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan’s historic winning of Eurovision 1994, with Graham’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Kids,
