Performing stars take to the stage at the TLT
A MAGICAL FEW NIGHTS AT THE AIB SCHOOL STARS FINALS AT THE TLT
WHEN young people take to the stage to perform and give their best, then all you can do is look on in awe at their confidence, ability and star quality.
Last week, before the curtain came down on mass gatherings, the semi-finals of the 2020 AIB Primary School Stars took place at the TLT and some great new stars were certainly born.
Not for the first time, the Tullyallen school choir led the way. A wonderful performance, as Gaeilge, certainly showing off their ability and that of their teacher, who stood with some degree of pride at the front of the stage.
The ever colourful Daisy and Holly, the Dancing Dolls from Sandpit were awesome and Nikita Stanley showed again why she is born for musical theatre.
One Moment in Time was certainly Ellie Carolan from Kingscourt while Sarah Coombes from Tullyallen ‘nailed’ her song, stated judge, Theresa McKenna.
Bethany Sugatan showed what an immense talent she will be in the future with a perfect performance of ‘Listen’.
Eabha Caffrey from Ballapousta NS ‘ ticked all the boxes’ for judge Amie Dyer while both judges couldn’t believe the quality of Clodagh Halpin from Tullyallen. Incredible.
Tullyallen’s Comedy Crew never fail to disappoint and dancer Aaron O’Shaughnessy from Sandpit is also in that category.
Cara Galvin from Tullyallen and Teagan Nolan
from Robinstown also impressed, but was there anyone better than Isabella Field from Duleek Girls NS. She went to a ‘Greatest Showman’ classic for her entry and was stunning.
Ella and Layla - a.k.a - Miss Byrne’s Girls, were the stars of Sandpit and Scoil Colmcille in Mount Hanover have a true performer in Annalise Harris, a storyteller with a rich gift.
Tullyallen’s Alexandra Ghelbere danced her way to a fantastic finish, surely another name to look out for in the future.
The other semi-final was equally perfect, Saoirse Rae Branigan from Scoil Naomh Feicin an incredible talent and only matched by Marley Peig from St Paul’s in Drogheda, a young lady with a perfect voice that will see her shine in the world of musical theatre in the not too distant future. She IS that good.
Sirin Farina from Callystown was haunting with her ‘Sound of Silence’ and Caragh Mailley from Dundalk was also gem.
There were so many others who were stars, Peter Connor from St Joes included, and what about Fayda May Tiernan from Callystown NS - the dancer whose track featured the Diary of Anne Frank - spellbinding.
Amie Dyer said it was ‘ the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.’
Emma Bellew from Bellewstown sang her ‘Fight Song’ with a passion.
In the end, the judges and the audience had to make a call and qualifiers at the final - to be arranged - are: Saoirse Rae Branigan, Fayda May Tiernan, Emma Bellew, Naomh Treasa Youth Choir, Peter Connor, Doireann McNally, Lauren Ryan, Emily Phillips, Henry Quinn, Ewan Curran.
Also, Tullyallen Choir, The Dancing Dolls, The Busters, Ellie Carolan, Bethany Sugatan, Clodagh Halpin, The Comedy Crew, Isabella Field, Teagan Nolan, Alexandra Ghelbere.