A NEW YORK state Irish pub owner, Mr Eamonn McGirr, has been looking forward to a long night's sleep after singing his way back into the Guinness Book of Records by singing continuously for 11 days.
Mr McGirr (55), broke the record last night during a live television broadcast while raising money for a cerebral palsy charity. He sang the final notes of the tune I'll Tell Me Ma, before being showered with cheers and green balloons.
"It's a hell of a wonderful feeling," he said. He last set the record 17 years ago when it stood at 5 1/2 days. A man in India later broke the record, singing continuously for 10 days and 22 hours.
Mr McGirr's latest attempt began on January 10th, and the rules stipulated that he could hum or sing anything, even read the newspaper to a tune. He was allowed a five minute break each hour, and Mr McGirr saved up enough time to catch a few hours sleep during the musical marathon.
He used up his entire repertoire of tunes, but despite the fatigue he felt at the end, he retained his humour. Asked how his life would change after breaking the record, Mr McGirr replied: "The following songs will not be sung: Danny Boy and Green Alligators.
After his success he went to his pub in Loudonvilk, Albany in New York state, to add a couple of hours to his record to make it an even 11 consecutive days. More than 200 people jammed the bar to celebrate.
"It's like St Patrick's Day," said the patron, Mr Richard Straight. "His voice sounds terrific."