It’s been ten years since Ireland’s Three Tenors formed their group. Shane Morgan, Dominic McGorian and Derek Moloney are all connected through manager John Conway, who knew each of the men individually and decided to bring them together to form a unique blend of singers.
County Down native Shane Morgan told Miriam O’Callaghan that he began to sing at the age of six, and was a professional by the age of thirteen. Morgan has also studied acting, and found that musical theatre was a good way of combining his passions.
Derek Moloney, from Limerick, was encouraged by friends and family to travel to Dublin to get lessons as they saw potential in him as a boy soprano, while Dubliner Dominic McGorian shared a memory of singing alongside his twin at the Mansion House at the age of seven.
"I remember years ago singing with my twin brother in the Mansion House at the ages of seven."
The trio recalled what a privilege and honour it was to be asked to sing at the 1916 centenary state reception in Dublin Castle: John Sheehan of The Dubliners and Declan O’Rourke were also headlining the same event, which made the occasion all the more special
"When that came about, I was pinching myself because to be a part of that celebration at the time."
Another magical moment shared by Derek was the time he was asked to sing the Munster anthem Stand Up and Fight at Thomond Park. The Limerickman relished the opportunity.
"I was the first to sing it in Thomond Park, and the last to sing it in the old Thomond Park, and I did that with Frank McNamara, actually. I am fierce proud."
When asked by Miriam whether parents should encourage children who have good vocals to sing, all Three Tenors heartily agreed that they should go for it. Shane added that doing speech and drama alongside singing built his confidence, and taught him how to speak in front of people. From this, he found his own voice.
"I wasn’t really into sport, so it wasn’t really a very cool thing to do - but it gave me great confidence to be on stage, to speak in front of people and to have my own voice."
To listen back to Sunday with Miriam, click here.
