There were tears for souvenirs as the black and amber took the Aviva Stadium by storm.
Most in the 50,000 + choc-a-bloc stadium will remember the convincing Six Nations 36-0 Six Sunday rugby mauling of Italy.
But everyone will for years to come fondly recall the heart-thumping singing of a darling eight-year old Kilkenny lad Stevie Mulrooney – a budding rugby star with Kilkenny RFC – who brought tears from thousands with his passionate rendition of the Irish Rugby Anthem, Ireland’s Call.
The Gaelscoil Osraí Rang a hAon pupil from black and amber land, Rothe Terrace in the city to be precise, proved to be a class act as he warmed his way into the hearts of rugby aficionados and left them with tears for souvenirs.
Make no mistake about it Virgin TV was switched on in thousands of homes in Kilkenny City, County and hinterland not only to cheer on the rugby boys in green but to support ‘our singing hero Stevie Mulrooney’.
Kilkenny was agog with pride as the boy some are dubbing our Stevie Wonder lit up the Aviva with his minutes of magic on the mic before the big match in which the Irish squad proved to be quite impressive too.
There to support the boy singer were his loving parents Karolina and Seamus Mulrooney; adoring sisters Ciara, Tara and Leah and little brother and best friend five-year old Aaron.
Glued to the TV in their Kilkenny home at 24 Circular Road were his doting grandparents Jimmy and Kathleen Mulrooney.
The close-knit family was bursting with pride, delighted with the rugby win but understandably, absolutely chuffed with the sensational singing of ice cool and wonderfully confident Stevie.
Stevie is pictured at rehearsals for his singing date with the Army Band. Captain John Carpenter, Conductor Defence Forces Music.
It was at Christmas that Stevie was first welcomed into thousands of homes as he charmed and entertained with his beautiful singing on the Late, Late Toy Show.
His terrific toy show debut was to be followed by the Irish Rugby invite and so a super singing young boy and his delightful voice roll merrily on.
