Val Doonican

Val Doonican, full name Michael Valentine Doonican, (born 3rd February 1927) in Waterford, is an Irish singer and performer. From 1964 to 1986, he was a fixture on the BBC's Saturday evening television schedule with The Val Doonican Show which featured his own singing performances and a variety of other acts.

Val Doonican started performing in his home town and featured in the first ever television broadcast from Waterford. He then joined a band which toured Ireland playin the drums. In 1951 he moved to England to join another group, The Four Ramblers who toured and performed on BBC radio shows broadcast from factories.

He eventually went solo and had a radio show as well as performing concerts and cabaret. In 1963 he was booked to appear on Sunday Night at the London Palladium. As a result of this performance, he was offered his own show on BBC television. This show lasted for over twenty years, moving to Saturday as its popularity grew. It featured his relaxed crooner style performance sitting in a rocking chair. He also has a number of comic Irish songs. He often wore a cardigan which became a trade mark. As a variety show, there were a number of other acts featured and performers such as Dave Allen had early exposure on the show.

The Palladium performance also kick started his recording career and he has since recorded more than fifty records.