TALENT CROWN FOR 7TH FRET!

SO, HERE’S THE question: does Wexford have talent? Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, and yes! That’s fifteen affirmatives, in case you weren’t counting.

The confirmation came in Clayton Whites Hotel last Saturday night as a packed house enjoyed stunning performances from 15 contenders in the Wexford People Wexford Has Talent final, the climax of the annual Sarsfields-organised competition that has been a sparkling addition to Wexford’s entertainment calendar in the past three years.

On Saturday night, scenes of wild celebration followed the announcement of the winners by MC George Lawlor. After coming through auditions, heats, semis, and a final of the highest quality, vocal group 7th Fret, returning finalists from 2016, were crowned champions.

The local group, comprising Daniel Furlong, Robert Murphy, David McDonnell, Hazel Devereux, Holly Rossiter, and Ciara Cullinane, had come together in a school production of Les Miserables in 2015. The decision to stick together was truly vindicated at the weekend as they treated the crowd – and the judges – to a great version of Pennsylvania band Rusted Roots’ signature tune ‘Send Me On My Way’.

They accepted the winner’s cheque of €2,000 from Jim Hayes, Editor at the Wexford People, title sponsors of Wexford Has Talent.

In time honoured tradition, the two runners-up, and recipients of €500 each, had already been revealed: the high-energy, and hugely entertaining, hiphop dance crew Hysteria from Next Level Dance School, and pole dancer Danielle Reck, a 31-year-old Wexford mum whose mesmerising and gravity-defying performance held the audience captivated.

But it really could have been anyone’s night. Singers Aaron McStein, Caoimhe Troy, Adi Roche O’Leary, Jirat O’Neill, Hayley Crosbie, Éabha Carty, Emma Hore, Will Troy Walsh, Caoimhe Boyle, Luke Hayes and Aoife Goodison, and graceful ballet dancer Sorcha Finn, had all contributed to an event that proved Wexford has the X Factor – in spades. (Are you listening, Mr Cowell?) It’s a well worn cliche, but it has to be said: all of the above were winners on a night to remember. Master of ceremonies George Lawlor, taking time off from his councillor duties, was the perfect host and the four judges, Catherine ‘Biddy’ Walsh, Sophie Wilson, Vicky Barron and Carmel Corish-Wallace, informed and entertained in equal measure before coming to what must have been a very difficult decision. Last year’s Wexford People Wexford Has Talent winner, aerial gymnast Tara Doyle Robinson, made a guest appearance, wowing the crowd once again with a performance that surely reached new heights. The biggest stars were the team from Sarsfields GAA Club, the shadowy figures in black who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, well away from the spotlight, with military precision to ensure a great night for both performers and audience. Take a bow, one and all!

Wexford Has Talent winners 7th Fret with runners-up Hysteria (bottom) and Denielle Reck( far left), and Sarsfields GAA Club chairman Killian Duignan, People Newspapers Group Editor Jim Hayes, Wexford Mayor Cllr Frank Staples Mayor of Wexford and master...

Sorcha Finn dancing The Dying Swan from Swan Lake.

LEFT: Éabha Carty, who performed Fight Song by Rachel Platten

Luke Hayes, who performed New Shoes by Paolo Nutini, talking to MC George Lawlor.

Emma Hore who performed Isle of Hope Isle of Dreams.

Cian McGovern, who played keyboard for Emma Hore.

Aoife Goodison, who performed A Moment Like This by Leona Lewis.

Caoimhe Boyle, who performed Pulled from the Addams Family.

Aaron McStein, who sang Take My Hand by Picture This.