Co Tyrone native and country singer Gary Quinn has penned a poignant new song dedicated to his dad, who he has described as his hero.
The singer, originally from Omagh but now based in Manchester, is fresh off the back of a UK tour and has released the song ‘He’s My Dad’ as a tribute to his own dad Sean.
Penning the tune during lockdown, Gary said it gave him time to think about his childhood and what he learned about fatherhood that he could pass on to his own two children.
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“When I was writing the song my feelings about my own dad and about being a dad really came to the fore,” Gary told MyTyrone.
“I had a fantastic childhood growing up in Omagh and that was down to both my mother and my father. I still owe my mother at song at this point!
“My dad’s always been there he’s always been a role model. Like any father and son we had our moments where we locked heads.
“But hand on heart I could say that he’s my best friend and a hero. Even though I’ve been living away from home since I was around 18 we’ve always had a really good friendship.”
Gary added that his father is proud of what he has achieved in his music career so far, but the most important thing for him is how he treats people.
“My dad’s super proud they know it’s been something I’ve been chasing for a long time. So the fact they get to see me doing it is what gives him the biggest pride.
“He’d be humble enough and wouldn’t want to be talking too much about the fact it’s a song for him, but he has told me privately it means a lot to him.
“The whole idea of the song is that you grow up thinking what you want to be and everyone tries to pigeon hole you along the way. I’ve figured out late in life I wanted to be a singer songwriter but ultimately it’s about who you want to be and not what you want to be.
“Honestly looking at my dad and who he is, being nice and humble and just being a good human is far better than going out there to try to be successful in any way. I think that’s what the song is about.”
Gary’s single ‘He’s My Dad’ is available to listen to here.
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