THE inspiring words of a Carlow songwriter with echo round The Curragh next week as part of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby.

Award-winning lyricist Paul Kealy is the writer of the Irish Derby’s anthem, a song entitled The wind of glory. Paul was commissioned to pen a new anthem for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby as part of the race’s historic 150th anniversary celebrations in 2015. Written by Paul and arranged by one of Ireland’s most respected composers, Lt Mark Armstrong, The wind of glory will be performed again this year before the iconic race and broadcast live on RTÉ and throughout the world.

Award-winning lyricist Paul Kealy from Carlow

Reaction to the new derby anthem has been hugely positive. Described as a powerful and uplifting song, The wind of glory manages to capture the unique magic of the occasion and passion of the riders chasing ultimate glory.

It has previously been performed by world-renowned soprano Celine Byrne, accompanied by The Millicent Singers and the No 1 Army Band. This year, Gemma Sugrue has been selected to perform Paul’s song. She is the soloist with Jenny Greene and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and she will be accompanied on the day by the army band.

Paul, son of Betty, Bullock Park, Carlow and the late Jim Kealy of Hacketstown, previously won first prize in the USA Songwriting Competition and was recently recognised by the Nashville Songwriters Association (NSAI) as one of its featured writers in the April edition of Ears magazine.

The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby takes place from Friday to Sunday 30 June to 2 July at The Curragh.