Amarillo singer coming Home to Mayo for celebration finale

LEGENDARY singer-songwriter and actor Tony Christie will continue his search for the way to Amarillo, as he brings to a close a month-long celebration of events in Mayo.

Once Tony and his family arrive in Cong on Friday, May 31, his first duty will be to officially switch on the newly installed light at the world-famous Quiet Man statue, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. He will be assisted by local Councillor Damien Ryan for the 10 p.m. switch on.

On Saturday, June 1, at 2.30 p.m., after a press reception at Ashford Castle, Tony, whose family roots are in Mayo, will be inducted into the Cong Hands of Fame Wall (CHOFA) where the unveil of a specially commissioned bronze mould of his hands will take place. On receiving the award Tony will join such luminaries such as Daniel O'Donnell, Big Tom, Matt Molloy and John Sheahan already featured on the wall.

Best known for a number of big hit songs such as ‘(Is this the way to) Amarillo’, ‘I did what I did for Maria’ and ‘Avenues & Alleyways’ from the ‘70s, Tony continues to record and perform and is currently on tour across Britain and Germany to promote the second edition of his Great Irish Songbook album, accompanied by traditional group Ranagri. In fact, Tony has a new album out now called We Still Shine, recorded In Nashville. It’s his first new recording in 12 years.

Tony will be then be joined by the Cong School Choir in the company of Ashford Castle resident musical performers Annette Griffin and John Staunton, where some of his famous songs will be sung in harmony.

When asked about this honour, Tony said: “I am deeply honoured to have been selected as a recipient of this unique award and it will stand aloft alongside my many golden discs and other accolades.

“This was a great year to have received such an award, especially as the annual Home to Mayo 2024 campaign is happening during the month of May, and that grandfather was born in Mayo, makes it even more special still.”