Unemployment was a bridge to a new career

Peter McCloskey’s day job is now ‘water under the bridge’ as the man from Feeny embarks on a new career.

The Country crooner released his new CD last week, used his day job to help his night time music career by testing his vocal range in the small confines of culverts from Trillick to Islandmagee in the dark echo chambers under the bridges he worked on. Sometimes the space was confined to less than 50 inches.

Unfortunately for Peter, he had to give up the day job due to redundancy and now he spends his time playing guitar and singing many of his own self composed songs including ‘The Man from Moneyglass’, his tribute to A P McCoy, around the North West of the Province.

His album includes a mix of American country classics including ‘Nobody’s Darlin’ But Mine’ and ‘Red River Valley’ and Irish country including the title track ‘Tell Me About Old Ireland’, which he also wrote.

The father of five who is a fan of Merle Haggard and Charley Pride said the small confines he found himself in were perfect for vocal practice. Singing under a bridge provided a good opportunity to test out his range and made his job all the more enjoyable.

“I was always singing as I worked at repairing and shot blasting the bridges and I got to like the sound of my own voice due to the echo it provided. I am not so sure if my workmates liked it as much.”

Peter will be appearing at Glassdrumman, Newcastle, Co Down, on September 2.