New album is just what this Wexford doctor ordered!
Wexford-born cancer specialist and university professor, Joe O’ Sullivan, has released a new album for charity.
The Gorey native is a consultant cancer oncologist at the Northern Ireland Cancer Centre and Professor of Radiation Oncology at Queen’s University, Belfast but not many people know that he is also a successful singer-songwriter with two original albums under his belt.
The world-renowned expert on prostate cancer launched a new album ‘Instead of Many Shades of Blue’ last Friday, with proceeds going to the charity, Friends of the Cancer Centre.
Born in Gorey 1970, Joe lived in Scarnagh and was educated at Gorey CBS before attending UCD Medical School from 1987 to 1993. His parents, Mary and Joe live in Gorey as does his sister Maria. His brother Barry lives in Ferns and sister Niamh is based in Newtownmountkennedy. ‘I’m really looking forward to playing some gigs in Wexford once we are set free from Covid’, he said
He recorded the album in Belfast late last year and planned the release for early March but then the coronavirus pandemic struck.
Since mid-February, he and his colleagues in the Cancer Centre, have been busy Cancer patients have been severely affected by the Covid crisis with many treatments on hold or delayed, and most consultations now being done by phone rather than face to face.
Friends of the Cancer Centre is continuing to provide support to local cancer patients and once the crisis is over, cancer patients and their families will need more help than ever, said Joe.
‘Like all charities, the centre has been impacted by Covid-19, with fundraising events being postponed or cancelled as a result of the lockdown’.
He felt the time was right to release the album to help raise funds and also awareness of the plight of cancer patients and their families during the pandemic.
Joe’s previous two albums ‘Take A Deep Breath’ (2015) and ‘Another Light’ (2017) helped to raise £10,000 for Friends of the Cancer Centre which is a charity close to his heart.
His new album contains lyrics inspired by true events, and is described as a personal collection of the singer-songwriter’s journey over the last few years with heartbreak and new love as key themes in his songs.
The unifying message is that it is possible to change. ‘What better time than during the lockdown to consider positive change in our own lives and in society generally.’, he said.
Joe is joined on the album by his son Oisín (16), on backing vocals and a three-piece band consisting of Lyn McMullan drums/percussion, Sam Davidson, lead guitar and Albert Millsbass, guitar. The album was recorded in Belfast and produced by Rocky O’Reilly at Start Together Studios.
‘During this Covid-19 lockdown, I’ve been thinking of brighter days ahead, and for me, the album has been keeping me positive. I think we all need creativity to get through this crisis together. I really hope people enjoy these new songs,’ said Joe. ‘With my day job being extremely busy, and many added worries and pressures during this lockdown, I find it all very rewarding to know our patients are cared for and safe at this time. It has also given me a focus to develop my songwriting skills, which I hope in turn will raise a lot more money for Friends of the Cancer Centre..The new album is available to buy online at www.friendsofthecancercentre.com/shop.