A champion comeback for singer

AFTER being struck down by illness for the past few years, Tom Keenan has made a triumphant return to the winner’s podium.

SINGING SUCCESS: Musical director Tom Keenan with his vocal coach and chairman of the Ipswich Orpheus Chorale George Hogg. Picture: David Nielsen

AFTER being struck down by illness for the past few years, Tom Keenan has made a triumphant return to the winner's podium.

At the recent Queensland Eisteddfod he was named Champion of Champions for the ninth time, winning five out of the eight sections he sang in.

The Ipswich Orpheus Chorale baritone singer was so sick last year he couldn't compete in the Eisteddfod.

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Mr Keenan's nine Champion of Champions awards are the second most by a singer in the Eisteddfod's history, with only George Hogg winning more, 22.

The chorale has five members who have won Champion of Champions, their wins adding up to an impressive 40 awards.

Mr Keenan said it was important for the choir to have good soloists, as they boosted the whole ensemble.

"It's important to have a soloist, they form the core of the choir which the other choristers gather and support," he said.

"From a choral perspective it's important to have the good voices."

Ipswich Orpheus Chorale chairman George Hogg is proud of Tom for winning this year's award and knows he will reach his record of 22 awards.

"He's done very well again, and I'm glad to see him back in the competition," he said.

"I think he's only got about another 20 years of competition and he only has to win about 13 and he's there."

Mr Keenan will aim for a tenth Champion of Champions at next year's Eisteddfod in Toowoomba.