This Bank Holiday Monday morning, LMFM Radio will be broadcasting a very special programme, remembering the life and times of the late Dundalk tenor, Brendan O’Dowda.
Brendan, who passed away in England in 2002, was generally regarded as Dundalk’s first major musical export, playing all over the world in a career that spanned five decades. His interpretations of Percy French’s work saw him become synonymous with the famous Roscommon songwriter, and his storytelling around songs like ‘Phil the Fluter’s Ball’ and ‘Are you right there Michael’ became legendary.
But there was much more to Brendan’s repertoire.
For example, he played to Royalty at the London Palladium, helped compere the opening night of RTÉ Television in 1961, and also sang on the soundtrack to a number of movies.
As a youngster growing-up in Dundalk, his sporting prowess also saw him develop into a top underage GAA player, while he also took part in athletics meetings all around the county. It was said that if he hadn’t decided to concentrate on his music, then he would have went-on to carve out a very successful sporting career.
Monday’s radio programme will pay tribute to Brendan’s life, from his early years growing-up on Moira Terrace, his schooldays, his football, and his decision to move to England to become one of the most popular Tenors of his generation.
Contributors include Brendan’s nieces Josephine Malone and Marna Fleming, his former schoolmate Arthur Boyle, former neighbour Geraldine Magee, and ex RTÉ broadcaster, Brendan Balfe.
The programme, which is presented and produced by LMFM’s Colm Corrigan, goes out on-air at 10.10am, and is supported by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland’s Sound and Vision Scheme.
Talk of the Town 