Corkman scoops song award

A 19-YEAR-OLD Corkman has won a prestigious international songwriting contest and the praise of one of the greats of show-business, Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees.

Barry Tierney, a bricklayer from Kinsale, was named the 2008 Country Folk and World Winner of the Festival4stars songwriting competition in London.

His song Da Rocket Boy was described by Gibb as “wonderful” and a work of “genius” when he presented him with his award on Saturday night.

“I was shocked when I won,” said Barry. “I wrote the song for The Dubliners as a contemporary ballad.”

He and fellow band member Diarmuid Good fought off strong competition from other bands in London to secure the award, a cash prize of £1,000 (€1,200) and five contract offers. Barry also has two songs running in the Les Vignes D’Or international songwriting contest.

“Though I haven’t accepted any contracts yet, I’m in negotiations on one at the moment which will, hopefully, be wrapped up in the next two weeks.”

Barry has already recorded three CDs and during the summer he regularly plays in Kinsale, playing the Seanachaí and Spaniard.

Barry’s latest album, The Loser’s Lounge, as well as the others are available to download from Barry’s site at www.barrytierney.com