Father Ray Kelly, Ireland’s priest singing sensation, paid tribute to his late sister when he performed in Britain’s Got Talent semi-finals on Friday night.
His younger sister Regina McMahon was 59 when she passed away from esophageal cancer two years ago, leaving behind a husband, four children, and nine grandchildren.
Fr Ray, 65, and his sister were close growing up in Tyrrelstown, Co Meath. Regina was delighted when her brother became a singing sensation after of video of him singing Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah at a wedding went viral.
Read More: We have chills! Fr. Ray Kelly SOARS in Britain's Got Talent semi-finals
Regina was on Fr Ray’s mind when he performed Vince Gill's spiritual song 'Go Rest High on That Mountain 'before a live audience at the Britain’s Got Talent semi finals. He had said earlier that the song had helped him cope with his sister's death.
He told the The Irish Sun: “We were the two youngest growing up so losing Regina was a terrible loss, especially as she left behind a young family.
“As a priest I am used to comforting people but that doesn’t make it any easier when death comes to your own front door.”
.@fatherraykelly has done it again! There won't be a dry eye in the house after this performance! #BGT ⛪️⛪️⛪️ pic.twitter.com/ukMp6e53P8
— Britain's Got Talent (@BGT) June 1, 2018
Unfortunately, Fr Kelly did not advance to the finals. Before the show, Ireland’s singing priest said: “It would be nice to get a record deal from this but I would have to make the final for that to happen. But if nothing happens out of this that’s fine too.
Read More: Who is Ray Kelly Ireland’s singing priest?
“I am not going to beat myself up over it. It’s been a great journey since my first audition last January. I’m open to what happens, a few more concerts and charity gigs.”
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