AWARDS SEASON AND OTHER THINGS!

What a fun time of year it is to sit in on a night. With the BAFTA'S the Golden Globes, The Grammy's and of course the OSCARS! I always find them so much fun. Aside from the fact I am a movie buff and love a night at the cinema, I always enjoy watching the reaction of those who DONT win. They have to sit there and pretend they are not upset or bothered. WHY? If it was me and I was up for an award and was then beaten by someone who turned up in an egg I would be livid! It must be so hard to do it. Sit there and smile. I enjoyed the other night whilst watching the Grammys, the little boy Bieber, dressed like the Milky Bar Kid, sat there waiting on his newcomer award(which he seems to be up for every year), and when he didn't win, he was seen turning to his nanny and asking who was the winner. He never even heard of her. BRILLIANT! As for the style. My Lord some really try very hard and fail miserably. This too always makes me smile. I would give my right arm to be at an awards ceremony like these, however, i don't have an inner filter. Never did, never will. So therefore if Lady GOO GOO passed me I would probably have my jaw around my ankles. Or if Rihanna was on stage grinding like a cheese grater on stage I would be in shock. Dominique often has to tell me to stop staring. I often think I'm being subtle, but she reminds me that in all walks of life I am as subtle as a brick. Needless to say, I strive to make it to the Grammys or the Oscars. Maybe one day. Which if it happens, trust me, I will be on Twitter that night too! 

So whilst we all watch these different award ceremonies and flick from station to station, I have been made aware of the fact that the much loved Public Broadcasting Stations face huge cuts from funding. WHAT?ARE YOU SERIOUS? These stations are the fabric of American society. They are the stations that people turn on for some intellectual stimulation. For some culture, and some education. From a child we all used to watch Big Bird and Elmo teach us how to say banana and get to grips with the letter 'C' or even 'X'!!! To what benefit does American society achieve by the government cutting their budget. To expect Harry and Agnus, the average American, to donate more than they already are, to keep their local PBS station alive is too much. 

When I was growing up in Ireland, I was made aware of PBS obviously from Sesame Street, but in recent years I was brought to the attention of The Irish Tenors. This was a huge show for PBS and in return they got to perform to the greater American public. So when I was approached by Sharon and Phil to join Celtic Thunder, the first question I asked was, will PBS be showing it. When I was told they were, I jumped at the chance as I knew it was a fantastic opportunity to get my voice heard by many. It became an instant partnership with Celtic Thunder and the two bodies benefited so much from being friends. This of course was helped by the countless amounts of donations made by people in the community whilst watching our broadcast. To think that many of these stations will suffer financially due to the proposed cuts is unimaginable. From what I gathered when we visited many of the stations, they were already existing beyond their means. Im not sure why I am ranting so much, and I am sure one or two will tell me to mind my own business. However, this is my business. PBS gives the like of myself, Celtic Thunder, Celtic Woman, Sarah Brightman, Andrea Bocelli, Andrea Rue and countless others to showcase our talents in what has become an increasingly difficult business to survive in. 

From Maine to Spokane, PBS is the heart of many communities, run by the heart of many communities for the better of their communities and society in large. Yea we all enjoy main stream tv and cable. However what PBS offers to us in this day and age is an extremely valuable thing. It makes us think. Makes us question, makes us sit up and listen when some fresh face comes on with a song in their heart. Gives artists of all size and experience the chance to be heard. This in turn enriches our society. 

Surely to GOD, there are other area's in this country that can handle cuts and fight through these tough economical times. I fear many PBS stations wont. No point crying over spilt milk. Now is the time to lobby your local politician and tell them YOU CARE. I don't for a moment think that cuts are not necessary in many sectors in order to bring some economical stability. However, I urge the decision makers to be very careful in what it is they cut. The Arts are an intricate part of any society in any part of the world. PBS is something Americans should be very proud of. Its yours and when its gone, its gone. As will the likes of many shows and artists. 

Now that I have that off my chest, I will fill you in on what I have been up to. Dominique and myself are now fully settled. It takes time and sometimes we need to pinch ourselves as its hard to imagine we are living here in the States. Everyone has been so welcoming and so encouraging. The messages of support I get regularly on Facebook/Twitter/myspace and this website are incredible. I will admit, there are days when I doubt myself, and all I do is sit and read some messages. They pick me up very quickly and encourage me to continue. At the moment I am working on getting a solo album sorted and ready for release hopefully around September time. I know that seems a long way off, but trust me, between choosing songs, having them arranged, recording them, mixing and then setting up marketing and distribution plans, it will be upon us in no time. Its also hard when you are doing it as your own boss. No longer can I sit and be told where to be and what to sing. Its all up to me now. Much as I enjoy this, I know how much work it takes. So although you may not see the fruits of my labour yet, you will very soon. I promise. I am not here to take pictures and sight see. I am here to create a picture!! 

I was so proud to see so many vote for me on ABC's website for Dancing With The Stars, and although it wasn't noticed by the big wigs, I promise we will be giving it a push come the fall as I will be more than settled and ready to take them all on! Thank you so much for your efforts and all I can say is that Byrom and his Babes will be heard by America whether they like it or not. Its Fightin talk I tells ya!!!

Valentines Day came and went, but this year was one of my best. Simply because Dominique and myself had the day together. We walked Central Park in what was a lovely day. The temperature was nice and we really felt we were in springtime. After a low key dinner and desert I surprised her with tickets to see "Chicago". A show that she wanted to see for a very long time. Needless to say it was fantastic. The choreography was sensational with one or two very good singers. However, I have not seen as much flesh since biology class!! This I may add is not a complaint. It just made me feel the gym was going to have to be a regular fixture in my life from here in!! The ticket prices were reasonable but when you order a coke and a packet of M&M's and are quoted $9.00 I nearly lost a stone there and then. Broadway eh? Milk ya for all they can. I still love it though and look forward to the next visit. 

Its a funny date. Part of me hates it because I don't believe I should be told that on any certain day I should have to tell Dominique that I love her. She knows. She knows that I know, that I am a very lucky guy and that I would walk over hot coals for her. That she is mine and everything else is unimportant. That no matter what, we'll get through it. Through good and bad. She shouldn't have to wait till February 14th to be reassured of this. The other part of me loves it, because you see men flutter all over town trying to find something to reassure their lady that they are in love and that they cherish them. Men are not great at this. Never have been or never will be. Simply because we try desperately hard to be macho. However, when Feb 14th kicks in, we know that our romantic side can be let free and no one will take any notice or make fun. Those that do, are generally single and jealous. So whats the harm in one day a year, letting everyone spread the love. I love it. Always did, always will. For even when I was single, I made a move on that girl I always liked. The excitement of dropping a card, or receiving one. Opening it and not knowing who it is from. Sometimes I'm sure there are those who would rather not have found out, but either way its good for the soul to fancy someone so much that they need to share it with them. BRING ON VALENTINES DAY FOR ALL!! So, to any of you singletons, if you didn't make the move this year, do it next year. What's there to lose. Life is for living and loving. All too soon it comes to an end. For those more adventurous, its not too late to tell them either. Who needs a Hallmark card. Most times the person you fancy, knows it and hopes something will happen. Take the bull by the horns ( no pun )GO FOR IT!!! Then come back here and tell us all! We love a bit of scandal and love a good romantic story. Its great for the bones. 

I must go now and clean the dishes. This is something I have had to get used to since moving here. I miss my dishwasher and car sooooooooooo much! Next week I am visiting home for my good friend Andy's wedding. I am a grooms man so am VERY excited. I am also going to be doing some work, but more about that in the next blog as I don't want to give away too much and be stuck for something when I come back to the land of the free! 

Keep well 

My Loves 

My Doves

My Eggs

I appreciate all your support and need it now more than ever. 

Yours

PAUL XX

Dom and Myself in Central Park on Valentines Day

The Panama Canal 2011

After experiencing New York snow and all that goes with it, I was delighted to wake this morning to the confirmation, that this time next year, I will be cruising as a "special guest" with Phil Coulter on his Tranquility Cruise. It is due to go from the 16th of January from Fort Lauderdale, FL for eleven days.
The cruise line company is Holland America and the ship is the Zuiderdam. For those interested in coming on what always proves to be a fantastic trip, I will post a link as soon as I have one. I hope to see you all there!!

Things are moving fast for me since leaving the tour at the end of December. Obviously there has been the campaign for Dancing With The Stars, and hopeful as I am, I feel we may be struggling. This is not to say I  have given up as I believe it would be a great thing for me to do. Mainly because I think it would be great fun but also because it would be a good career move too.

With regards to a new album. Things are already in motion and I hope that I will have a deal soon. These things take time, however, rest assured I am working around the clock to ensure I have one out before I hit the road with some gigs. The gigs are being worked on too, and as like everything else so far, you will hear it first here on this site.

Heritage is soon to be released and much like you, i will be looking forward to sitting in one night and enjoying it as a "Thunderhead"! My commitment to Celtic Thunder stays strong and I hope the show and album goes really well. I met Sharon whilst George and Ryan were here and they were all very excited about it. The PBS station visits start soon and I must say I will miss going from one to the other having the fun on air. From talking to Sharon, there will be a lot of ground covered on this trip!

Today I head to price some mac's as the hole on my screen from a candle burning through is really beginning to annoy me. I thought I would be able to ignore it, each day its annoying me more and more! So, like ripping a plaster off a hairy arm, I am going to have to just go and get one!
After that, its the gym, as I have been trying to get back in shape the last couple of weeks and its been harder than I thought to get motivated!!

Tonight will possibly be a night at the cinema as I haven't been in a couple of weeks and I am having withdrawal symptoms..........any suggestions?????!!!!!!!!!!

Either way, keep well and warm
My Loves
My Doves
My Eggs

Paul
x

Boston Celtics

So after a visit to Ireland I thought I would write you a short little blog to fill you in.

I gotta say the idea of flying all the way to Dublin and back for a stag weekend seemed like a great idea at the time. Im not sayng I wouldnt do it again, but next time I will make a week out of it as its too far to go just for a weekend.
Long gone are the days in Ireland where a stag was a one night event. Now its a whole weekend! Myself and the boys I went to school with are still the very best of friends. There is a group of 20 of us that are still very tight so needless to say, when we get together it is a lot of laughing and play acting. Not to mention a lot of drinking! Much and all as I enjoyed it, I am still wrecked from it! At 31, two nights in a row is a stretch.
We went to a lovely place called Carlingford and I would strongly recommend it to anyone visiting Ireland.
I came back yesterday to New York and slept for the majority of the flight. This I was delighted about. However, for long distance flights, I dont recommend Delta. Very cramped. Cramped is only good if your cramped up against someone you love!!!!

Since coming back I am licking my wounds from the weekend. Went to bed early last night  and slept for Ireland. So well in fact I got up today full of intentions and got a lot done. However, got my schedule mixed up and missed an appointment in Manhattan. Not cool. On the up, we got a lovely plant for our living room.Theory is if we can keep it alive for a few years then we can consider kids!!!!! As for the appointment, All is good, as it was re-scheduled. I made up an excuse as good as "the dog ate my homework''. Either way they bought it!!!!
My main news which goes with the title of this blog.....I can confirm I will be singing the National Anthem for the Boston Celtics on the 16th of March in the Garden! I am so super excited. Its my first biggie of the year, so lets hope it aint the last!! Delighted to share this news with you all as you have all been so supportive in everything Ive done so far.

With regards to DWTS, I am going to get my people to contact ABC soon, so the more votes in, the better. I do appreciate the campaign and I promise if I get on, i will make it worth your while!!

Off tomorrow to IKEA to buy more furniture. Fun until you get home and try to assemble it!

Love ya all
My loves
My doves
My eggs!

Paul

xxx

New Year

Every time I sit to do a blog I always try to remember where I left off on the last one, then I remind myself, who cares, just go for it!

So first and foremost, happy new year to you all. I hope 2011 brings more good times than bad, and at the end of the day, thats all we can ask for.
New Years Eve was an incredible night for us in New York. After finding out that a friend of Dominiques was a friend of a boy in blue, we ended up under the Crystal Ball after a few jars in a bar off Time Square. Couldnt believe our luck. Then when the clock struck 12 Sinatra is belting out "New York" across the speakers and glitter is falling all around. Very emotional and without doubt the best New Years of my life. Lets hope 2011 started the way it means to continue. However the next day my head was telling me it was gonna be a bag of mixed emotions!!!
Dominique's brother Daragh was over for the week too which was great as we hadnt seen any family all Christmas. He ended up heading back on Wednesday and left with so much of him wanting to stay! Who knows what is down the road for him.

Since the holiday celebrations have come to a halt it has been full steam ahead. Lots to do. From getting back in shape to shaping a solo career again. It seems a million years since I did both. I went for an assessment yesterday and was told my body fat was 24%. So I wasnt too upset. My target is to get down to 20% so that I can get rid of Zak Effron and grow my hair like Boobie Beiber!!

As for the career, there is so much to do and all at once. Hence why contact has been inconsistent. Some days are full of "things to do". Little things that can take a while to do. Like sorting out booking agents. In order to get gigs sorted I need to make sure i have the right people on the job. One way or another I am working very hard to get some gigs booked on both sides of America and hopefully even one or two in Canada. As soon as I have any news on this I will of course let you all know.
The other thing I am sorting as well is a new album. I have two ideas for a great album so hopefully one will be out by the Autumn at the very latest. Which lead me on nicely to ABC's Dancing With The Stars. To say I am flattered by the amount of votes you have all lodged on their site would be an understatement. After so many of you seeing the clips from "Jigs and Reels" and leaving positive comments I have decided to accept the challenge. However, all we need is for ABC to accept the challenge too and put me on. I would be delighted to do it and with that I have people working on it. Whether something comes of it or not, Time will tell. One thing is for sure, I would enjoy mixing it up in LA and giving you all something to laugh at on a Sunday evening. How funny would it be if we were all competing against some of the big names in LA. I wouldnt recognise any of them which in itself would be quiet amusing! Lets just watch this space. If you fancy leaving any more comments or e-mailing ABC on my behalf I would be delighted.

http://abc.go.com/shows/dancing-with-the-stars/cast-season12/ThemeGallery/657085#abc-comment

Then if after all this bombarding, we may have to try a different tack. Lets see! However, Thank you all so much.

Today I started a weekend long convention here in the city called APAP. Its where artists of all genre's gather and sell their shows to theatres. Although I am not selling anything, its proving to be very informative and very beneficial as the world as his mother seems to be at it. Today I sat through one or two "classical crossover" performances and all I can say is.........well actually better not. Im sure there are people out there who love all sorts of music but what I never understand is why artists dont try and make their talents more easy going. Some stuff is far too high brow. Even for my eyebrows!! Either way, its very admirable to see so many people out there giving it their all and not giving up on what they believe in. In a way, it was oddly inspiring as I suppose there are people who listen to me and find what I do high brow. Yet when they give me a chance, they realise it aint too bad. Kinda like Chinese food. Weird for a lot of people until they try it. Fair enough if it repeats, but at least ya tried it!! I digress!

Next week I head home for some family and friends time and I am really looking forward to it. Mom has promised me the full "Christmas dinner" and my grandma is coming too. Jack and Kate have a glow in the dark globe beside their bed and every night they say goodnight to Paul and Dominique in New York. Soon they wont have to and I am bursting with excitement to see them. Especially cause Jack is into Star Wars now. Which means lots of Santa's toys for me to play with. Kate is still looking up the chimney for her make-up. Her mom assures me, Santa didnt forget it, it was never coming! Maybe Uncle Paul can, which would really set the cat amongst the pigeons!
The other reason I am heading home is that I am groomsman to one of my best friends and his stag is gonna be epic!!! This ladies and gentlemen I wont be telling you all about. So when you dont hear from me next weekend you will understand I am sure.

Before I finish I wanna talk about Celtic Thunder. With the snippet released this week of "Heritage" it stopped me in my tracks. I forgot. I forgot what it was I was a part of, and to a huge extent, still am. I am immensely proud of what I did with the boys. This show I think is gonna be great. I had a lot of fun recording it and hope it goes multi platinum for the boys. Its my last recording with the gang so really hope it does well. Celtic Thunder  have a very busy schedule ahead promoting this and I want to take this chance to wish Emmet all the best. He has a lovely voice and is a nice guy too. I hope he enjoys the ride and gives as good as he gets. I know you will all be very supportive to him in what must be a very daunting task joining a band of brothers this far in.  The boys will be great with him I know. Gotta admit, would have loved a trip to Australia, but them's the breaks! Give it socks Emmet.

Anyway, keep well people, here's to 2011 and hopefully I will have news for you soon. Just know, that I am out there trying very hard. I always will.

Forever yours
My Loves
My Doves
My Eggs

Paul

12.00 NEW YEARS, NEW YORK

Christmas

Amazing to think Christmas is upon us again. Where has the year gone?  It amazes me every year how quickly it comes around. Its without doubt my favourite time of the year. The music, the decorations, the goodwill and the children riddled with excitement.
Tonight I got to chat to my niece and nephew on Skype and they were up the walls. They had both had their baths and were in their all in ones ready for bed. I had them both sing their favourite carols and tell me what they had asked for. My niece wanted make-up, however Santa felt at three years of age, she didnt need it. So she ended up asking for Peppa Pig and Jack went with Star Wars. What made me most proud though was that they were both wrapping toys they were giving to the poor too. Amanda (my sister) is trying to teach them the importance of considering others less well off at this time of year. So to hear Jack and Kate tell me this without promt, I Was VERY proud. This is the first Christmas I wont be with them, and much like the rest of the family I am missing them a lot. More than I thought I would. But hey, I am also very thankful for who I am with and that I have someone to love this Christmas, and more importantly that she seems to love me too!!
I always get nostalgic around this time. The big softie inside bursts to get out. The music always stirs up so many emotions inside. Memories of my days as a child. Going caroling and then getting ready for midnight mass. My mother working on the Ham on Christmas Eve and the Turkey stuffing for the oven first thing on Christmas morning. The table all laid out in preparation for the family gathering. My Grandad and Grandma coming over and Grandad being the self professed best bar man in Ireland! And Grandma pretending to be interested in whatever latest toy I had got from Santa.
Dad and Mom always, always provided for my sister and I. We never wanted for anything, and now as Im older I realise how much they must have sacrificed in order to do that.
I often think of those who are not with us anymore and feel them closer to me at this time than any other. My Grandad, my father, my cousin, my friend Seb and so many more. Where they are many will differ in opinion. One thing is for sure, they are in my heart and in my thoughts.

So as I sit here writing to you all, I want to say thank you. Thank you for everything. The gifts, the well wishes, the prayers, but above all the support. Since meeting through Celtic Thunder, you have all been so welcoming to me. I really feel as I settle in to New York that this is my home from home. America and Canada has offered a lot to me. I look forward to 2011 and all it brings to me. I hope this time next year we will all be sitting with those we love celebrating all we have in the world.

Have a fantastic time wherever you are and remember that its days like today and tomorrow that we will look back on in years to come and wish for again.

Have a happy and Peaceful Christmas
My Loves
My Doves
My Eggs

Paul x

A pic of myself in Times Square today!

Settling In!

Since arriving in New York, it has been nothing but full on! Full on in every way possible.Between trips to LA and Chicago I am really feeling like a gypsy. Always on the go and living out of a case. More than anything, I am looking forward to unpacking.
Today we got the keys to the new apartment. My new home! Unfortunately it is just a shell at the moment. So as some of my Irish friends are gone home for Christmas, we are staying in the Chelsea area and minding their little 5 month old French bulldog, Louis. This works great as we were in Chicago all weekend as I was doing a private gig then came back to NY as my friend Isobel went away. It also means I can kit out the new apartment without sleeping on an inflatable mattress. The thoughts of going from appearing in Radio City to sleeping on an inflatable would be a serious wake up call!!

Louis is a lunatic. He is only five months old and has issues figuring out that i dont like picking up his little presents left around the apartment! They come is in all different shapes and sizes and with them comes a wide variety of my language skills. My patience is being tested, however I find it hard to get annoyed with him as he really is a cool dog! Plus I only have him for a few more days. His mom will be back and I will have my apartment finished by Sunday. If only he liked walking we could go for a few festive drinks in Time Square!

Im really looking forward to Christmas this year, even though I wont be with my family. With the help of Skype though, we will be very much in touch on the day! Shopping for gifts is still high on the agenda and I couldnt be in a better city to achieve my to do list!
Another priority is to go see the Rockettes in Radio City. This I am very much looking forward to and will fulfill this tomorrow! All fun and lots of frolics between now and New Years.
I will keep you all posted and will chat to you before the main event this Saturday.

Keep well and keep calm,
Remember what Christmas is all about

Till then
My Loves
My Doves
My Eggs

Paul

x

The End

To say the last couple of days has been memorable would be a massive understatement. Leading up to the final concert of the tour I was really taking everything in. Enjoying every minute and savoring everyone's company. I promised I wouldn't get upset as it was the end of something great, but the beginning of hopefully something greater. Plus its always nice to leave as opposed to being replaced!!!

On Wednesday night when I was in the middle of Irelands Call I couldn't believe my eyes when I turned around. To see the whole audience holding up farewell signs for me was one of the most amazing things I ever saw. I was stumped.

Then Friday came at Binghamptom. Ironic in that it was where we performed our first concert in America as Celtic Thunder, and where I would finish my time in Celtic Thunder. I went full circle so to speak. We had a near to full house and again the gesture made by the fans, the band and the guys was incredible. Right at the end the band struck up "Auld Lang Syne" and the boys and Sharon all wished me well. Followed by the fans presenting me with a massive sign saying "you'll be missed Swanky". I do however feel I need to apologize to the front couple of rows as I sprayed my bottle of Champagne all over them. Im sure they weren't too happy.WOOPS!!! Im not sure what the future has in store for me or Celtic Thunder, but I wish the boys all the best. I can say it now that Ive left, but it is one of the hardest working groups in the industry, and the show wouldn't have an inch of the success if it wasnt for the effort and commitment and personalities of Damian, Keith, George, Ryan and Neil. The success lies firmly in the fact that people like them as individuals and as a collective group. I hope they never lose sight of that. The bond I have with them is one that will never be broken by distance. Of course it goes without saying Sharon and Phil put it all together and are equally imperitive in the success. It is after all their brain child. I wish them all nothing but success and happiness.  
Needless to say we partied till the wee small hours of the morning. My head was pounding on Friday morning. Nothing that a couple of hours sleep wouldn't heal en route to New York City.

After three hours on the bus Dominique and myself found ourselves with all our life in 4 suitcases hailing a cab in our new city, our new home, our New York. Accompanied by our little helper Damian, who has decided to hang around and help me find the best Starbucks in the city. To be honest, I think its a case where neither of us want to say goodbye. He's the little brother I never had. Someone I have watched grow in the last three, nearly four years. Someone I have had great fun with and someone I am immensely proud of. He has turned into a complete gent and someone I am glad to say will be a friend for life.
That said, we hit a KARAOKE bar last night with some friends of mine in the city and never got selected to sing. We were both disappointed but then remembered the last time we got to sing in New York was at Radio City so weren't too disappointed!
On Saturday we viewed a couple of apartments and I have it down to two. So hopefully by mid week we will have a new pad. In the meantime its hotel life! I also got a mobile (or as you would say it here, a cell). Opened a bank account and joined a gym. Not bad. By next month I expect to be mayor! If Arnie can be governor, why cant I?
Its going to be a busy month, but an exciting one. I am loving it so far and I will keep you with me all the way here on this site.

Thank you all for so much. I am overwhelmed by the support you have given me. I will never forget you all and look forward to seeing you all soon. THANK YOU A MILLION TIMES OVER.

If I can make it here, I'll make it anywhere!!

My loves
My Doves
My Eggs

Paul
x