Ronan Tynan, Irish Tenor & Motivational Speaker

Last week, at the memorial service of President George H.W. Bush, Irish Tenor Ronan Tynan had the distinguished privilege of singing for the congregation, once in a beautiful rendition of Last Measure of Devotion, following President George W. Bush’s touching eulogy, and again when he sang the Lord’s Prayer near the end of the service. Tynan’s voice has earned praise around the world, and at the end of The Lord’s Prayer you could see the emotion in his own eyes because as it turns out, Ronan and the President shared a close bond. Here are a few more things you need to know about Ronan Tynan:

Overcoming Obstacles

Born in Dublin, Ireland, Ronan spent many of his younger years in a hospital. Tynan was born with phocomelia, a rare congenital deformity that affected his feet, leaving his lower limbs noticeably underdeveloped. After years of hospital visits, a car accident in his 20s resulted in a double amputation of his legs just below his knees. Faced with these challenges and more, Ronan has persevered with enormous passion and determination.

Paralympic Champion

Less than one year after his double amputation, Ronan emerged as a Paralympic star in a variety of track & field events. Between 1981 and 1984, Tynan amassed eighteen gold medals and fourteen world records of which, he still holds nine.

Medical Doctor

Ronan became the first disabled person ever admitted to the National College of Physical Education. He later became a medical doctor, specializing in orthopedic sports injuries, with a degree from Trinity College.

Illustrious Singing Career

Ronan won both the John McCormack Cup for Tenor Voice and the BBC talent show Go For It less than one year after beginning the study of voice. Introduced to an international audience as a member of the Irish Tenors, Tynan quickly became known for his unique voice and irresistible appeal. Following his mother’s advice to always follow your dreams, Tynan decided to launch a solo career, and has achieved the fame and adoration that could have existed only in the farthest reaches of his dreams.

Friendship with US Presidents

The Irishman had a special relationship with several US Presidents, including Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. Ronan sang “Amazing Grace” and “Ave Maria” at the funeral of Ronald Reagan in 2004 at the personal invitation of Nancy Reagan. He is also famous for his performances of “God Bless America” at Yankee Stadium, and at a 9/11 Benefit honoring NYPD and NYFD. Ronan also performed at the White House Governor’s Ball in 2007 at the invitation of President George W. Bush, and at George H.W. Bush’s 84^th birthday celebration. It is said that in his final hours, Ronan visited President Bush and sang Silent Night as the President mouthed the words with him.

Ronan Tynan shares his story and his voice with audiences all over the world as one of the most sought-after motivational speakers in the U.S. Ronan takes his audiences on a journey, drawing on his experiences of resiliency andovercoming obstacles with his trademark humor and amazing voice. Tynan teaches how to persevere through life’s toughest challenges and keep taking risks. To learn more or to check availability for Ronan Tynan for your next event, contact Executive Speakers Bureau at (901) 754-9404.