Can't let today pass without raising a glass to the memory of the great singer John McCormack the 57th anniversary of whose death occurs today September 16th. Born in Athlone on June 14th 1884, he soon made his mark on the world of song and won a gold medal in the Tenor Competition in Dublin in 1902. He made his operatic debut in 1907 at Covent Garden and in 1919 appeared in New York at the Manhattan Opera House. During his life he made over five hundred recordings and was regarded as the greatest tenor of his day. He was made a Papal Count in 1928 and did more than any other singer before or since to popularise Irish songs. His recordings are still played regularly on radio. His fame as a singer was world wide and I even met a doctor from Sri Lanka who was an avid fan and had many of his recordings. To a great singer and a fellow Irishman - Slainte.