PICTURES: Sold-out crowd celebrates Tipperary musician's album launch

Tipperary Town’s own Anthony O’Connor celebrated the launch of his long-awaited new album, 'You Can Always Come Home', before a sold-out audience at the Great National Golf Hotel, Ballykisteen, on Thursday, February 26.

The album, more than three years in the making, features 13 outstanding tracks and marks a major milestone in Anthony’s distinguished musical journey.

In an extraordinary achievement, seven singles released from the album have each reached Number 1 on Tipperary Mid West Radio (104.8FM), reflecting the deep affection and support he enjoys from listeners across the region and beyond.

READ NEXT: Playground in Tipperary vandalised as spiral pole now a serious safety hazard for children

A highlight of the album is the heartfelt duet 'I Remember Everything', recorded with Anthony’s granddaughter, Sophie Byrnes — a particularly special collaboration that brought warmth and emotion to an already memorable collection.

USE THE ARROWS OR 'NEXT' TO BROWSE THROUGH THE FULL GALLERY

A Night of Exceptional Talent

READ NEXT: PICTURE: Tipperary music school students achieve great success at competition

The launch concert was a celebration of local musical excellence. The audience was first entertained by performances from Sean Feery, Shay Fitzgerald and Ali Price. A lively traditional session followed, featuring Ailbe Grace, Liam Flanagan, Kevin Griffin, Oran Kelly, Anthony O’Connor and Breda O’Dwyer, who delighted the crowd with music and song.

Nell Riordan brought the first half of the evening to a rousing close. Opening the second half, local performer Carol O'Donovan captivated the audience, followed by Willie Bun, John Kyprianou and Barry Quinn, each contributing to what proved to be an unforgettable programme of entertainment.

To close the evening, Anthony O’Connor himself took to the stage to perform selections from his new album. The emotional highpoint of the night came when he was joined by Sophie Byrnes for their duet 'I Remember Everything' earning a standing ovation from the appreciative audience.

A sincere thank you to all the singers and musicians on what was an exceptional night of talent. The evening was expertly compered by PJ Cummins of Tipperary Mid West Radio.

Special Presentations

A special presentation was made to Anthony to commemorate the occasion — a beautiful pencil portrait created by renowned Bansha artist John Morrissey.

Sophie Byrnes also received a pencil portrait presentation by John Morrissey, of Sophie and her grandfather in performance mode, from Denise Harding of Tipperary Mid West Radio, in recognition of her contribution to the album and to the concert. The concert was not only a musical triumph but also a charitable success.

Thanks to the generosity of sponsors and attendees, €1,240 was raised through a raffle in aid of Tiglin, a Wicklow-based recovery centre supporting those overcoming drink, drugs and gambling addiction.

Tiglin is located outside Ashford, Co Wicklow and its mission statement is "to provide each individual in our care with an effective and comprehensive Christian faith-based solution to life-controlling drug and alcohol problems in order to become productive members of society".

The organisers of the launch wish to express sincere gratitude to all sponsors who donated prizes and to everyone who contributed so generously to this important cause.

Availability of the Album

'You Can Always Come Home' is now available for purchase in Tipperary Town at Jerry’s, Bank Place, and Joe Whelan’s, Main Street, as well as online at www.anthonyoconnormusic.com

Anthony O’Connor extends his heartfelt thanks to all the musicians, singers, supporters and sponsors who made the evening such a resounding success, to the MC for the evening PJ Cummins, and to John Mortell Photography, Kilmallock, for capturing the event with some great photographs.