Mahon man to have his music heard by the Queen

A MAHON native will go from busking for Cork’s homeless to having his music heard by the Queen in London as the show he was involved in competes for a prestigious award.

Paul Morrisey penned the credits music for online interactive drama TryLife which has been nominated for the Pitch at Palace People’s Choice Award attended by the Queen at St James’ Palace this summer. The electrician, who works in St Lukes Nursing Home in Mahon, previously busked on the streets to raise vital funds for the Helping Hands Homeless Action group in Cork. His music later caught the ear of TryLife creators who contacted him online.

After it was suggested that Paul create music for the show he headed straight to a recording studio. The finished result his song Right Between The Eyes has now been listened to all over the world/

“When they wanted me to come up with music it was a huge shock,” he admitted. “I never once considered that it might actually be used. They later sent me a link to the programme complete with my music. Even though it was my own song I still did a double take when seeing my name in the credits.” 

John has been deeply humbled by the experience and added: “It’s hard to believe that something I wrote has made it so far from the kitchen table.

To think that the Queen will have a chance to hear my music is unbelievable. I often work through the night just coming up with lyrics. Writing has always been a real passion of mine.” 

But Paul is most concerned about critics a little closer to home including daughter Bella (3) and son Bobby (7).

“Bobby is currently learning guitar and often accompanies me on harmonica. Bella loves when I take her favourite nursery rhymes and turn them into songs. It’s amazing how well tunes like “Once I caught a fish alive” lend themselves to rock and roll.

For me, music is a hobby that I really only just got back into around three years ago. A lot of my friends in Mahon didn’t even know I played guitar.” 

The father of two has enjoyed playing for residents of St Lukes in the past.

“I’ve played for the residents before but never my own stuff. A lot of my songs are quite raw and emotional not like the usual trad stuff one might be used to. Any time I’ve played it’s been classics like Molly Malone and the Rose of Tralee,” he laughed.

However, the 32-year-old is yet to discuss his musical accolades with friends at St Lukes.

“I don’t really discuss my music at work,” he admitted. 

While Paul acknowledged the significance of his achievement, he said the real highlight of this year will be marrying the love of his life Dara in Tenerife this June.

“There is so much to organise that I’ll probably have to miss the final awards in June. I think Dara is at more of a loss about this than me as she would really love to meet the Queen. She’s still trying to think of some way we can fit it in but with wedding arrangements and work commitments, it doesn’t look like a possibility. I’m also preparing to travel abroad for my cousin’s wedding soon.”