Alanna will have you rockin’ around the Christmas tree
IT’S the time of year for Rocking Around the Christmas Tree and well known singer Alanna Dennehy has just released a superb version of this popular Christmas classic.
Now living in Lyre in North Cork, Alanna was born in Firies, Co. Kerry, and inherited her musical prowess from her late father, Kevin Horgan, who’s band ‘ The Clansmen’ were regulars on the circuit around their native Kerry and beyond. Kevin also toured throughout Ireland with the Dunloe Céilí Band.
“Dad always wanted me to sing but I was too shy” Alanna told the Corkman. However, one night at a function in Kenmare in 1998, she took him by surprise by joining the band on stage and singing a few numbers. The rest, as they say, is history and Alanna continued to perform with the Clansmen until her dad passed away in 2000.
The following year she and her brother, Pat, formed ‘Sunrise’ and continued to perform regularly in venues across Cork, Kerry, and Limerick for several years.
Alanna is no stranger to the recording studio, having released a 12 track album as well as various singles over the years. “The most important thing for me is that I love music and enjoy it, and if I can cheer people up that’s the icing on the cake,” she said. Alanna is married to well known C103 presenter Michael Dennehy who’s show ‘ The Irish Sunday’ is hugely popular with listeners.