Published: Friday, 20th November, 2009 11:00am

Award winning Mike Keenan to play charity concert in Tullamore

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Ferbane native Mike Keenan, who picked up an award at the Irish Entertainment Awards, last month will play a charity concert in the Church of the Assumption Parish Centre tonight (Friday).

Mike collected his third award in three years when he won the award for No. 1 Gospel Album in Ireland this year last month.

The album entitled 'Our Lady of Medjugorje' celebrates in song and music the life of Mary, the mother of Jesus.

"This Lady is so important in my life, she slows, steadies and strengthens me every day. It was great to get recognition for something so dear to me, and great to see Gospel music getting more of a listening nowadays," said Mike.

On the night he performed to rapturous applause from the 700 strong crowd. They clapped and sang along to 'Will the circle be unbroken' and 'I saw the light' and also listened reverently as Mike sang of his own experience expressed in a beautiful slow ballad 'Our Lady of Medjugorje'.

Mike Keenan is probably best known to people as the winner of TG4 Glor Tire two years ago. He has also become familiar with TV viewers in America through his performances there. Mike's songs have been performed by many artists on many stages, not least by the Unity Choir who tour the States and Canada.

The award was presented on the night by Tony Allen, which Mike considered a great honour especially as he was influenced greatly by the music of Foster and Allen in his childhood.

Mike was also delighted on the night by his CD sales as all the proceeds go to support Almas, a children's charity that works for orphans in the third world. The best thing about this particular charity is that all who work in the charity work on a voluntary basis, so all the money goes to where it is needed most.

'"It's a momentous night," said Mike on the night, "well it doesn't get any bigger than this, I get to celebrate my own faith in song, I get to give people's spirits a bit of a lift and I get to raise money for a charity that is close to my heart, this is a night to remember."

Mike also paid tribute to his mum on the night.

"My Mum died almost 22 years ago to the day. I know she is behind this somewhere."

Mike will bring his songs of Inspiration and Hope to Tullamore today (Friday) with a live concert at the Church of the Assumption Parish Centre on Harbour Street at 8pm.

Admission is €10 and all proceeds will go directly to Almas. To find out more about Almas check out www.almasworldwide.org. To buy Mike's music go to www.mikekeenan.net or you can catch up with him on www.myspace.com/mikekeenan