“If I had seen and heard it in New York's Carnegie Hall, I would not have been surprised by its outstanding quality and excellence,” he continued. “It's wonderful to reflect that we have not only such first-class performers but also such first-class writers”
Staged on the promenade beside the White Star Line office, An Irish Connection featured songs and music from Shaun Davey, Victor Herbert, Dvorak, Mascagni, Gounod, Paddy Moloney, Bill Whelan, Snow Patrol, Rolf Lovland, Johnny Duhan, and Brendan Graham who also created the narration.
With Cara O'Sullivan, Cathy Jordan, Caitriona Fallon and Paul Byrom among the vocal performers, it’s no surprise that the reviews were hugely positive.
“The composition, presentation and delivery of An Irish Connection concert far exceeded any other musical or historical event in Cobh in this century or the last,” noted prominent historian Dr. Michael Martin. “It was evocative, timely and masterfully composed to bring together all that is best about our Irish tradition. What a tribute to our heritage, what recognition of its importance. Respectful, thought provoking and entertaining, this was a world-class performance that belongs on the world stage and the world at large will benefit enormously from its wider distribution.”
A standing ovation and encore of 'You Raise Me Up' were called for as the Irish Navy released 100 flares over Spike Island to mark the centenary year since the Titanic struck the fateful iceberg.

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