SCHOOL STAR LIGHT UP THE NIGHT AT THE TLT
SKERRIES SINGER PIPS DROGHEDA GRAMMAR SCHOOL DUO TO THE 2019 SCHOOL STARS CROWN AT THE TLT FINALS
SKERRIES Community College student Jessica Doolan said she was shocked but delighted to win the 2019 School Stars title at the TLT in Drogheda.
The 15-year-old TY student performed ‘Natural Woman’ and stunned both the judges and the packed arena. Guest judge Jake Carter said her control and range was amazing.
‘I’m over the moon, I didn’t expect it,’ she stated, adding that she has a few other events lined up too,
Jessica revealed that she is also due to release an EP shortly.
Second place went to Emma Reddan who delivered a high octane performance of ‘Rain on My Parade’. Jack Carter said her talent was ‘out of this world’.
Third place went to Tadgh Lynch from the Grammar School who was again awesome. Indeed, he played the piano so well, Jake said he might offer him a place in his band. ‘I was blown away,’ he exclaimed.
There were a number of other individual awards with EJ Dunne from Bush Post Primary winning best performer while the best singer was Josh Keating. The Dundalk Grammar student (14) was told his voice ‘captivated everyone’ and Jake Carter said he was ‘a little Irish Sam Smyth’ and was amazing.
The Unite Dance Crew from Loreto Balbriggan were stunning and won the Most Creative title.
Ashbourne band Public Warning won the best band and the best choir was One Voice from Loreto, Balbriggan. They are a unique sign language choir and left Jake ‘stunned for words’ and the choir were the best ‘pitch perfect’ group he had ever heard. ‘You have serious talent.’
And while the winners were heralded, it truth, any of the 25 on the night could have won, with Jake admitting he was blown away by the talent.
‘‘It’s great for the community and I was amazed by it. The talent was incredible,’ he admitted.
Rebecca Walsh opened up the night with a solo introduction for Riverdance, peformed by the 100 strong Greenhills choir, orchestra and dance group. ‘I was shocked at the originality of it. I’m taken aback,’ Jake remarked.
With fellow judges, Derek Ekins, Theresa McKenna and Conor Whearty backing him up, Jake went on to praise St Louis, Dundalk student Zara Woods for her perfect performance.
The stunning Emma Duff from O’Carolan College was incredible again, Jake saying she delivered a hard song, perfectly.
The totally original Scoil Ui Mhuiri choir were in total unison again and Lola Coady from Skerries CC was raw and unique. The Dundalk De La Salle trad group, Spleodar got the place tapping while Aisling Leahy ‘Dreamed a Dream’ - the Balbriggan Loreto College student transporting Jake to the West End, he admitted.
Ardgillan’s Cliodhna Rutherford was described as a ‘Paloma Faith’ style performer, performing her own song on piano.
Riaghan Boardman from Rush overcame illness to perform and he did himself justice.
Davies and Band from De La Salle Dundalk were ‘dripping in rhythm and blues’ and Sarah Crilly (Mercy Navan) gave her performance ‘ loads of attitude,’ according to Jake.
The St Oliver’s CC entry was COPE, a rock band with roots in Mr Fagan’s 6th class in Slane NS. They were superb, with judge Theresa Mckenna urging them to ‘get the merch’ out quick!
Megan Butterly (Ballymakenny) performed her own song ‘ The Game’ and was declared ‘unique’ by Jake.
Ardee CS band ‘Horizon’ also performed their own song, Run Wild, and were richly praised.
Caireann Teggart from O’Carolan College brought her A game to the show and showed pure emotion, especially when she spotter her former dance teacher in the front row. She flew in from Dubai to see her!
Molly K Maguire (St Vincents, Seatown) is destined for great things the judges agreed, delivering ‘When we were Young’. ‘I could listen to you all night,’ Jake added.
Jack Carey (C na hInse) sang Sinatra and and his powerhouse effort had the place in raptures. A special moment to remember his late grandfather.
As shows go, this was a classic with MC Shay Carry magnificent as ever.