AT Christmastime, the home country - the ‘auld sod’ - has a powerful resonance for the Irish abroad. Nowhere less so than in America where one in 10 can claim Irish heritage.

The Star-Spangled Banner and God Bless America strike a chord with Ronan Tynan who has sung both official and unofficial national anthems at events throughout his years spent in the land of opportunity, all after he threw himself with his trademark enthusiasm into a full-time music career.