Legendary singer to be inducted into Cong Hands of Fame
Singer Tony Christie with comedian Peter Kay during the filming of the BBC Comic Relief TV Show in 2005.
Legendary singer-songwriter and actor Tony Christie will continue his search for the way to Amarillo, as the brings to a close a month-long celebration of events in Mayo.
Once Tony and his family arrive in the quaint village of Cong on Friday, May 31st, his first duty will be to officially switch on the newly-installed light at the world-famous Quiet Man Statue, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. He will be assisted in this role by local councillor Damien Ryan and the ceremony will take place at 10pm.
On Saturday, June 1st, at 2.30pm, after an exclusive press reception at Ashford Castle, he will be inducted into The Cong Hands of Fame Wall (CHOFA) where the unveil of a specially commissioned bronze mould of his hands will take place. On receiving the CHOFA award, Tony will join such luminaries as Daniel O'Donnell, Big Tom McBride, Matt Molloy and John Sheahan who are already featured on the wall.
Best known for a number of big hit songs such as , and from the 1970s, Tony continues to record and perform and is currently on tour across Britain and Germany to promote the second edition of his album, accompanied by traditional group Ranagri. In fact, Tony has a new album out now called , recorded In Nashville. It’s his first new recording in 12 years!
, composed by Neil Sedaka, was a huge success for Tony all over the world and received further, if unexpected fame, in 2005, when it became extremely popular all over again, with comedian Peter Kay miming to Tony’s record for the BBC Comic Relief TV Show, that topped the charts for seven weeks.
Tony will be then joined by the Cong School Choir in the company of Ashford Castle resident musical performers Annette Griffin and John Staunton, where some of his famous songs will be sung in harmony.
When asked about this honour, Tony said: “I am deeply honoured to have been selected as a recipient of this unique award and it will stand aloft alongside my many golden discs and other accolades. This was a great year to have received such an award, especially as the annual Home to Mayo 2024 campaign is happening during the month of May and the fact that my grandfather was born in Mayo makes it even more special still.”
