Irish Singer-Songwriter Richard Mulligan Talks on his remarkable Sporting and Musical journey
By Ismaila M.S.Naban, Banjul The Gambia, for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show
Mr. Richard Mulligan, 57, is a notably singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, who is aspiring to be a Country Star.
He lived in Clontarf in Dublin for the last 30 years, and married with four children.
A
native of County Galway, Ireland where he played for the Under-16s
football team, Richard was undoubtedly, one of the best distance runners
of his time in Ireland.
In an online interview
with this reporter, the former Irish sports icon, and now musical
instrumentalist delved into his child and adulthood; sporting
activities; what motivated him to venture into country music; and why
the instrument-guitar.
The artiste also elaborated on his songs and upcoming album; and sent a message to his esteemed fans.
“Ever
since I was a child, [I] have a great love for all styles of music:
Irish trad, folk, ballads, blues, jazz, one of the best distance runners
of his time.
“But I was really hooked after I heard Elvis
Presley on our Old Radio when I was only about 7. That’s when the love
affair really began. He was and is {still} hero.
“Yes, I love
other singers but Elvis is it. I also used to make up songs as I was
going along the country road and sing them outloud in the remoteness of
where I grew up.
“I Play Tin Whistle, Fiddle, The Box,
Harmonica and few other instruments that I can knock a tune out of, but I
only started later on in life as sport took up my life in the early
years,” he enunciated to this medium.
Mulligan, as he recollets, played Irish football in his youth and played for his country-Galway, at under 16 Level and minor.
He
started running at the age of 17 and quickly got to international
level; and ran for Ireland at World XCountry many times, European
XCountry, WestAthletic Cships, and Europa Cup on track.
“I’m
also Irish Champion on road, XCountry, and Track. I have a World Silver
Medal for Masters 10k Road Chips.I have been lucky enough to have won
many races across America, Europe and to have ran for my country across
the world,” the star athlete-turned-musician enthused. However, he
admitted that failing to make the Olympic Games “is my only regret”.
Reasoning
why he chose country music, the Irish stressed that, “Country music is
about life as I knew it, growing up on a farm with very little, and I
suppose that is what attracts me to it most.
“Real people
with real stories to tell, Cash, Haggart, Jennings, Vince Gill, the list
goes on”. And, when Elvis does a country, need I say more? he
rhetorically asked.
On the places he had performed, Mr.
Mulligan disclosed that most of his performances, before last year, were
done in Nursing homes, small Bars or Pubs, or at private parties.
But
since the release of his first Album, there has been a demand for him
to go on the road more; “a demand I have resisted until now, as I need
time to plan things out”.
Recalling that he has performed for
two thousand (2000) people in Galway a few months ago, along with some
other Irish Acts, the Irish singer-songwriter believes, “this was magic
and I went down very well. So, I’m really looking forward to more of
this”.
“I get mail from all over the world now, Australia, NZ, South Africa, Europe, USA and Canada,” said Mulligan.
According to him, his music had been bought in 38 countries around the world, and also being played in many countries as well.
To
him, it’s “a dream come true; it’s still only sinking in.” The
challenge for this country singer now, is to try and get a band
together, a Manager, and hit the road, as he told this reporter.
Mulligan
further informed: “I’m also ready to bring out my second Album called
“Forgiveness”. The title song is about what happened to my natural
mother. I was fostered from a Mother and Baby-home at 3 years of age to
wonderful people.
“Some of my songs that I write are about
this part of my life, and the rest are about country life or love. Just
good old country songs. My music is more on the traditional country
style.”
When asked what was his message to the many fans,
Mullian had this to say: “My message to fans is simple: live life to the
full, be kind, honest, helpful to one another. And, I’m so honoured
that they take the time to listen to my music and, if I can only bring a
tiny fraction of happiness into anyone’s life, then it’s all
worth-while.”
Most of Richard’s fans are from 30 years
upwards, but he confirmed, “I have some much younger also. I have been
singing in public for about 8 years, approximately”.
He singled out his great friend, Mr. Seamus Gaughan, as the person who had inspired him to record his first Album, last year-“I NEVER MET You”.
“He [Gaughan] kept pushing me to record as he said he loved my voice,” said Country singer Mulligan.
He’s
married to Mrs. Margaret, and blessed with four children: Sons Richard
Jr., Eoin, Oisin and daughter Laura. They range in age from 25 to 32
years. Saying they have all left home, the striving artiste reveals,
that allows him “time now to follow my dream of being a country Star”.
Hear
him further: “I will be 59 in April, and I hope my story inspires other
people, my age, to dream as it’s never too late. “Whatever happens from
here, I don’t know but my first Album went to No.1 on Irish Itunes
Chart, and “I Never Met You” went to No.1 in the UK-most listened to
song for August of last Year. I can’t ask for more than that.”
On
why the guitar, he answered, “The guitar is my favourite instrument,
simply because, I love playing it and I love singing as I play.”
On
his future projects, Richard Mulligan said, “I would love to get to
sing at the Grand Old Opery; perhaps performing one of my own songs. Who
knows, as dreams can and do come true.”
He thanked this
media for the interest and support, reasoning “because without your
[media] help,it’s impossible to spread the music, so people know about
it”.