High Kings’ recruit serves up a royal treat

LATE LATE SHOW sensation, West Limerick schoolboy Adam O’Sullivan, has the potential to out factor the X-Factor.

The eight-year-old, who is undergoing treatment for a benign brain tumour, became an overnight national star on Friday night last after he belted out Whiskey in the Jar with the High Kings to the delight of Ryan Tubridy and his audience who gave him a standing ovation.

Adam, who comes from Ballaugh, Abbeyfeale, has recorded a CD with the High Kings. It has gone to number six on the download charts and will go on sale next weekend. Dunnes Stores and other major outlets have already agreed to stock it.

Adam underwent treatment for a benign brain tumour last summer and while at Temple Street Children’s Hospital he astounded everyone with his rendition of Cavan Girl, his favourite High Kings song.

His mother, Joanne said: “Adam loves the High Kings ever since he first saw them at the INEC in Killarney three years ago. Somebody in the hospital recorded it to put it on a CD to raise money for the hospital, My husband Denis contacted the High Kings. They heard it and said it was fantastic, but said Whiskey in the Jar would be a better song for Adam.”

Adam did the song with the High Kings at a packed INEC two months ago and then they recorded it.

Joanne, who comes from Ballybunion, said: “When I drove him and our younger son, Billy, who is five, into St Mary’s Boys School in Abbeyfeale this morning it took me 10 minutes to get them into the school, with people coming up to Adam congratulating him.”

Adam is due back at Crumlin Children’s Hospital in December.

“Adam plays soccer for the Abbeyfeale under 8s and is a huge Man United fan. He loves Lego, and ... we plan to go to Legoland in England during the mid-term break,” she said.

The CD costs €5 and all funds will to Temple Street and Crumlin Children’s Hospitals.