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Senator Bruno presented a Senate Resolution to internationally acclaimed Irish Tenor Ronan Tynan at the Capitol Building. |
Irish Tenor makes history performing in NYS Senate Chamber
Monday, March 10, 2003
The New York State Senate Majority today welcomed famed Irish Tenor Ronan Tynan to the Capitol to make history as the first person to perform singing in the historic Senate Chamber. The Senate also will honor Tynan during Session with a resolution in recognition of his talents, triumphs over disability, and extraordinary acts of inspiration to our State and our Nation in the aftermath of September 11th.
"The Senate will celebrate St. Patrick�s Day a bit early this year," said Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno (R-C, Brunswick). "We are thrilled to have Dr. Ronan Tynan, famed Irish Tenor, bless us with his voice and make history with us as we begin session in a truly unique fashion."
Dr. Tynan will make his appearance in the Senate Chamber to open Session singing his a cappella rendition of God Bless America. Tynan�s widely acclaimed version of the song touched the hearts and spirits of all New Yorkers and all Americans at memorial services throughout the days and months following September 11th.
"In the weeks following the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, the magical voice of Ronan Tynan was a source of comfort and solace for thousands, if not millions, of people touched by this tragedy," said Senate Deputy Majority Leader Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre). "As families on Long Island and across the metropolitan region mourned the loss of loved ones, Dr. Tynan lifted our heavy hearts with his spirited performances of this patriotic anthem and helped heal a grieving nation. It is a great honor and privilege to have him sing in the Senate Chamber and truly a moment to remember."
"Ronan has offered his talent to comfort us when we�ve needed it most," said Senator Bruno. "He is a man that has triumphed over his own adversity and has used his talents to inspire people around the world."
Tynan was born with a lower limb deformity that made it impossible to walk without prosthetic aids yet the child athlete trained as a competitive horse rider and jumper. At the age of 20 his legs were amputated below the knees. Shortly after, he triumphed at Paralympic Games where he went on to win 18 gold medals and 14 world records over the next nine years.
Tynan continued to make history, as the first disabled person ever to be admitted to Ireland�s National College of Physical Education. Tynan later graduated as a Medical Doctor from Trinity College in 1993, the same year he began his formal musical studies. Just one year later he made his professional debut at a concert hall in Dublin. Dr. Tynan joined the Irish Tenors in 1998 and has since performed across the world with resounding success. He has recently been named PBS Entertainer of the Year by WLIW21-TV.
In addition, Tourism Ireland has named Dr. Tynan Honorary Ambassador to the Special Olympics this June in Ireland. Belfast will host Team USA as part of the unique games and Tynan has composed and recorded a special song for the event titled, "Ireland - This Is The Hour."
"I am honored to have a man of Ronan�s character and talent entertain us here in our historic Chamber today," said Senator Bruno. "He truly has a gift, a voice filled with such sincerity and emotion that his sounds instantly warm your soul."
Dr. Tynan will follow today�s events with a concert performance this evening at the College of Saint Rose in Albany.
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