Tavern’s Got Talent final 1st round
The final 1st round of the Tavern’s Got Talent took place last Thursday in The Tavern, Ballinderry. The standard up to then had been excellent, and heat 5 didn’t disappoint. There were 7 super acts from Tipperary, Offaly and Laois, and all gave great entertainment to the large audience.
First up was Orla Murphy from Clonaslee, and she started the night of in a classy style indeed with a lovely rendition of Puccini’s “O Mio Babino Cara”, followed by a haunting “My Lagan Love”. Judges were very impressed with her performance. Next was Trisha Hogan, from Borrisokane who performed Leona Lewis’ “Footprints In The Sand” and “The Rose”. Again judges were impressed, in particular with The Rose which was sung with great feeling and expression, according to Noel Sheehy (judge).
Next we had Olivia Douglas from Ferbane. Olivia gave a great country rendition of “Good Hearted Woman” and then gave us a sparkling performance on the accordion of the “Mason’s Apron”. Adjudicator Shay Spain said Olivia “sang a country song as it should be sung” and commented that there were many professional female singers in country bands who were not as good as Olivia! Cloughjordan girl Shauna Deane was next with a lovely heartfelt performance of “Arms of an Angel” and a rousing version of “Big Black Horse and the Cherry Tree”. The judges felt that Shauna gave a very confident performance and communicated with the audience very well. Shauna was accompanied by fellow competitor Alan Dunne.
Another Clonaslee girl, Aoife Corcoran followed with a lovely rendition of “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus, and a very confident version of “Valerie”. She communicated really well also, and looked at home on the stage. Second last competitor was Sinead Murphy from Ballingarry. Accompanying herself on guitar Sinead gave a beautiful performance of Jimmy McCarthy’s “The Sky Road” and followed this up with her own interpretation of Run. The judges liked her heartfelt emotion in the first song, and Louise (Judge) praised the light and shade in her voice.
Last, but certainly not least, was the only male performer of the night, John Heenan from Borrisokane. John gave a lovely performance of “When You Say Nothing At All” where the quality of his voice was obvious. Fellow contestant Sinead Murphy accompanied him on guitar. Then to round off an excellent night in style John gave an exhilarating performance of “Valerie” which certainly went down a storm! Adjudicator Shay Spain said John had the voice and the looks, and if he wished to he could front a pop band in the future.
It was a night of exceptional talent and excitement, and sadly 3 very good acts had to be disappointed. The winner of the audience vote was Orla Murphy, and also qualifying directly for the semi-finals were Shauna Deane, Sinead Murphy, and Olivia Douglas. This Friday night 9th April, all the runners up from previous rounds get a second opportunity in the Wild Card night. In all 12 acts will compete for 3 places so another tremendous night of excitement and drama is guaranteed. Please note the competition will start at 9pm sharp!
Once again the audience plays a role in the voting, so do come along for what will be another night of sparkling talent!
