Richie Kavanagh to launch new book ahead of 30th anniversary of Aon Focal Eile
Richie's new book
CARLOW entertainer and Irish music legend Richie Kavanagh is set to launch a brand-new book just ahead of the 30th anniversary of his chart-topping hit The comedy song, written as part of his stage act, went from a local favourite to a national phenomenon after Gerry Ryan picked it up on RTÉ 2fm in 1996. It knocked Take That off the top of the charts, spent seven weeks at No 1, went triple platinum and earned Richie an IRMA award for Best Single of the Year.
Richie remembers the unlikely journey of the song: “When I sang A at my shows, people would come up after and ask if I had it on cassette. I recorded it even though the studio people told me it would never get airplay. Tony Kehoe from South East Radio was the first to give it a spin, then Gerry Ryan started playing it — and the rest is history. Thankfully, everyone saw the humour in it, and my dream came true. In 1996, I became a full-time entertainer.” The book, is packed with lyrics from classics like , and It’s a nostalgic journey through Richie’s career, bringing back memories of a time when the only people with mobile phones were “yuppies,” when songs were learned from tapes and when a cheeky chorus could capture the whole country’s imagination.
Alongside 150 songs and stories, the book contains a treasure chest of memories in the form of rare celebrity photographs, from a fresh-faced Niall Horan at his brother’s Holy Communion, to Shane MacGowan asking Richie for a selfie, to moments with the late Christy Dignam of Aslan and broadcaster Gerry Ryan. Other surprises include Jeremy Clarkson of Clarkson’s Farm, TV favourites Podge and Rodge, and The 2 Johnnies.
The book also carries a foreword from the late Shay Healy, who called Richie “a true national treasure, instantly recognisable when you hear the very first bars of any of his songs”.
Now 30 years on, Richie — known for his dungarees and his trademark Hanna Hat of Donegal — remains as warm and witty as ever. Even after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2010, the Carlow native continues to “keep the best side out” with his music and humour still striking a chord with young and old. Richie’s songs remain hugely popular on YouTube, on the airwaves, and wherever Irish entertainment is enjoyed.
From his early days as a chef and later a lorry driver to becoming Ireland’s No 1 comedy songwriter, Richie still says he “can’t believe his luck!”
To pre-order the book, please go to https://www.richiekavanagh.ie/shop/craic-stories-songs-a-new-book-by-richie-kavanagh/
