John Count McCormack John McCormack was born in the Bawn in Athlone in 1884. He received his early education from the Marist Brothers in Athlone before attending Summerhill College, Sligo. As a boy he sang in the choir of St. Peter's Church and was encouraged by the choirmaster Michael Kilkelly. His career blossomed after he won the gold medal in the tenor section of the Dublin Feis Ceoil. He later studied in Italy under Sabatini. He made his operatic debut at Covent Gardens in 1907, and later turned his attention to the concert stage where he achieved worldwide success.

John McCormack went on to become one of leading tenors of his day and by today's standards a super-star. He had a very successful recording career and made two Hollywood films. He was rewarded for his work for Catholic charities by being made a Count of the Papal Court. He died in Dublin in 1945. There is a bronze bust of John McCormack by Seamus Murphy on the Promenade in Athlone. He has been the subject of a number of books. Anyone wishing to learn more about McCormack should read 'The Great Irish tenor: John McCormack' by Gordon T. Ledbetter, published in Dublin by Town House in 2003.

The birthplace of John McCormack in the Bawn was, in the 1950s, the first tourist office in Athlone. It now houses the 'Row in Row' Chinese restaurant.

Lily and John pictured with their two children, Cyril and Gwen. William Orpen (1878-1931) Portrait of Count John McCormack (1884-1945), Singer, 1923 Oil on canvas, 104 x 86.4 cm Collection, National Gallery of Ireland Photo © National Gallery of Ireland

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