Smiling Ciaran is inspired by hope
Moville singer releases third charity CD next month
A young Moville singer’s third charity album is dedicated to his family and to everyone else who has helped him realise his passions in life.
Ciaran Keogh, a popular radio presenter on Inishowen Live, says the new CD, released next month and including 19 covers, is about staying positive and looking to the future in the face of adversity.
“The title of the album, ‘Inspired By Hope’, was triggered by my own ongoing battles with some personal demons. It’s hope that makes me rise above those things – so who wouldn’t be inspired by that?” Ciaran asked.
The Moville man was rushed to hospital with a potentially life-threatening condition, sleep apnea, some years ago and that experience is also documented on the new collection.
“I covered the Tim McGraw song, ‘Live Like You Were Dying’, as a reference to what happened to me a couple of years ago. I also included Tom Petty’s ‘Don’t Back Down’ as a testament to the fact that I’ll never lose hope nor back down from personal challenges,” he said.
Another track, ‘Always On My Mind’, is a tribute to Ciaran’s older brother Seamas, who died just over ten years ago during August 2003.
The youngest son of Mary and Michael Keogh, the 26-year-old is dedicating the album to all those who have backed him.
“I’m dedicating it to everyone who supports me in my different ventures and to my family members, who are always number one. It’s also for the crew at Inishowen Live, who have made life very cool for me over the last six months or so,” Ciaran said.
Set for release on October 10 next, all the proceeds from ‘Inspired By Hope’ will go to St. Vincent de Paul, a charity Ciaran has been involved with himself.
“It’s a good cause that helps everyday people, like you and me. No one knows when they might need help from a charity like that – we just never know what’s coming next,” he said.
Ciaran revealed that the forthcoming release includes a ‘fair few Elvis numbers’ as well as a few versions of some of his favourite songs, such as ‘My Way’, ‘Let It Be’ and ‘Is This The Way to Amarillo?’
“I included nine Elvis tunes because he has been my most important influence as a performer from day one,” he said.
“I like to help other people, especially since the time when I became ill myself – that made me look at life in a different way. I also jumped at the chance to record some of my favourite songs too,” Ciaran added with a smile.
