For Immediate Release
Contact: Maria Zone
Director of Communications
Archdiocese of Hartford
(860) 541-6491 ext. 127
mzone@aohct.org

Irish Tenor Ronan Tynan Sings to the Tune of Catholic Education, June 25 at the Palace Theater

Hartford, Conn. – (May 19, 2011) Famed Irish tenor Ronan Tynan will perform a concert on behalf of the Foundation for the Advancement of Catholic Schools (FACS) on Saturday, June 25, 2011 at the Palace Theater in Waterbury, CT at 8 p.m. The concert will benefit Catholic schools in the Greater Waterbury area and FACS.

Dr. Tynan, originally a singer in the group, the Irish Tenors, launched his solo career in 2004 and has catapulted into the spotlight. His most memorable performances include singing at the funeral of President Ronald Reagan, belting out “New York, New York” at the Belmont Stakes, performing at President H.W. Bush’s 80th birthday celebration, and entertaining the fans at Yankee Stadium with “God Bless America” more than once.
 
In addition to his singing prowess, Ronan is one of the most sought after motivational speakers in the United States. He has overcome much adversity, and inspired many people with his perseverance. At the age of 20, he underwent a double amputation below the knee after suffering injuries in a car accident. Despite the physical setback, he earned a medical degree, and became an athlete in the Paralympics Games for disabled athletes. From 1981 to 1984, he won 18 gold medals and set 14 world records. It wasn’t until he was in his 30’s that Tynan took singing seriously.

A devout Catholic, Tynan attributes his success to his faith. It’s worth mentioning that Tynan sang at the installation Mass of New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan at St. Patrick’s Cathedral at the request of the Archbishop.

 “We are very blessed to have a performer of Dr. Tynan’s caliber regale us with his talent and grace in support of Catholic school education,” said FACS Executive Director Cynthia Basil Howard. “This will certainly be an unforgettable evening.”

Tickets for the concert, An Incredible Evening of Music With Ronan Tynan, range from $45 to $125. A VIP reception with Tynan will be available before the concert at 6 p.m. with the purchase of a $125 ticket. Call the Palace Box Office at 203-326-2000 for reservations or the FACS office at 860-761-7499 for more information and sponsorship opportunities, or visit Facshartford.org.

FACS is a local, nonprofit corporation that has supported the Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Hartford for over 29 years. The Foundation consists of a committed Board of Trustees, led by Chairman Archbishop Henry J. Mansell, who believes that a Catholic education is an education for a lifetime.

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