Niamh Kavanagh Reflects on Tesco Role During COVID-19 Crisis

Eurovision winner Niamh Kavanagh has shared how her experience working at Tesco during the COVID-19 pandemic helped her secure a job and provided a sense of purpose amid challenging circumstances. In a recent interview, Kavanagh reflected on her unexpected role at the supermarket in Carrickfergus, Co Antrim, where she supported her family as the live music industry shut down due to the pandemic.

Kavanagh, who captured the hearts of many with her powerful performance of “In Your Eyes” in the 1993 Eurovision Song Contest, was featured in an Irish Sun headline that highlighted her contributions during a time when frontline workers were essential. The catchy headline, “In Your Aisles,” resonated with her and added a moment of levity to her experience.

From Stage to Supermarket

In her interview with host Brendan Courtney on the RTE show “Keys To My Life,” Kavanagh explained how she adapted to the sudden shift in her career. With live performances on hold, she decided to include her diverse experiences in her CV, from winning Eurovision to competing on “Masterchef.” She noted, “I think they only interviewed me because they read my CV and wanted to have a look at me. I got a job on the customer services desk straight away.”

Her time at Tesco lasted for over a year, during which she found fulfillment in serving customers and contributing to her community. “I wanted to be working, and I loved it,” she remarked about her role.

Personal Challenges and Resilience

While navigating her professional life, Kavanagh faced significant personal challenges. Her husband, Paul Kavanagh, suffered a stroke in 2018, which profoundly impacted their family dynamic. Reflecting on that traumatic experience, she recalled receiving a call from their son, Jack, informing her of Paul’s medical emergency. “They basically saved his life. It was quite a moment,” she said, expressing the stark contrast between her previous life on stage and the new reality of dealing with health crises.

Despite the hardships, Kavanagh emphasized the strength of her relationship with Paul, who was unable to leave the house for a year during his recovery. “The main thing was maintaining us as a couple — in terms of loving each other, rather than in minding,” she explained. Their shared journey through adversity helped them reconnect and deepen their bond.

The singer, originally from Ballymun, has experienced both triumphs and setbacks throughout her career. Winning Eurovision established her as a national icon, and her subsequent signing with Simon Cowell to a million-dollar deal with Arista Records marked a high point. However, she faced disappointment when she lost the lead role in the film “The Commitments” to fellow singer Maria Doyle Kennedy. Kavanagh recounted her audition experience, revealing, “I remember Alan Parker telling me, ‘I love your voice, but I can’t make you who this person is.’” Despite this setback, she went on to contribute her voice to the film’s soundtrack, viewing it as a valuable learning experience.

As Kavanagh continues to navigate her multifaceted career, her time at Tesco during the pandemic stands as a testament to her adaptability and resilience. In her words, the experience has been a “lovely gift” that allowed her to rediscover herself and her relationships.

“Keys To My Life” is currently available on RTE Player, providing insights into the lives and journeys of various personalities.