Ronan Tynan
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Ronan Tynan, MB, BCh, BAO (born 1960 in Dublin, Ireland) is a popular tenor, singing in the classical Irish style. He is most famous for his renditions of God Bless America performed at Yankee Stadium during important New York Yankee games, such as Opening Day, nationally-televised games, and playoff games. Additionally he has sung for Buffalo Sabres during their hockey games. He is also known for participating in the 1984 Olympics.
Tynan was a member of the Irish Tenors until he left to pursue his solo career in May of 2004.
[edit] Background
Born with lower limb disabilities, Tynan had to have both legs amputated at the age of 20 due to complications caused by a car accident. Within weeks of the accident, he was climbing stairs at his college dormitory on artificial legs. Within a year, Tynan was winning in the international Paralympics. Between 1981 and 1984, he amassed eighteen gold medals and fourteen world records.
In the following years, Tynan became the first person with a disability ever to be admitted to the National College of Physical Education, Limerick. He went on to prestigious Trinity College, Dublin and became a physician specializing in Orthopedic Sports Injuries.
Encouraged to also study voice by his father, Tynan won a series of prestigious voice competition awards and joined the Irish Tenors.
A devout Roman Catholic, Tynan has appeared on EWTN.
[edit] Presidential performances
Tynan has also performed in several events President George W. Bush has attended. Some of them include (bold face indicate those that took place at Washington National Cathedral):
- State funeral of former president Ronald Reagan
- George H.W. Bush's 80th birthday
- Prayer service marking Bush's second inauguration
