Loughrans Bar Moy was packed to capacity on Friday 4th September as the ‘Country’s Got Talent’ competition reached its conclusion. With 16 acts reaching the final showdown, lots of family, friends and supporters packed into the venue and were not disappointed with a fantastic nights entertainment.
Judges for the evening who kindly donated their time free of charge have to be commended for their professionalism and honesty as they viewed the fantastic array of talent on show.
The groups of contestants were split into two categories, ‘Dancing and Singing’ and the judges as well were split to suit their credentials. Judging the dancing were Caroline Creggan a dance Choreographer, Lisa Mc Gill who has toured with Riverdance and Jenny Stevenson-a World dance Champion and teacher from Stoke-on Trent.
The singing Category was capably judged by Michelle Mc Kearney, music teacher,, Tina Calder-Sunday Life showbiz Columnist and Robin Elliot, City Beat Radio presenter and judge in City beats Young Star Search.
The introduction of Hollyoaks star Gerard Mc Carthy- who plays Chris Fisher in the soap, to the panel was amazing and massive thanks to Gerard for taking the time out of his busy schedule on the Hollyoaks set to come over and support this event. We also had the presence of Carla Mc Cabe from Tern television who is currently producing a documentary about the charity to be released early next year.
After all the acts had completed their routines, the judges went off and made their final decisions. Winners and runners up for each Category were as follows. Winner of the Dance Category was Samantha Gallagher from Dromore, Co Tyrone who received prizes which included £250 cash and a chance to showcase her talent at the Christmas Lights Switch on in Dungannon later on this year. Runner up was Kevin Scullion from Kileeshil who won £100 cash and an opportunity to showcase his talent at other event ran by the charity.
Winning the singing category was talented artist, Lisa Campbell from Dungannon, who writes all her own music and songs. Lisa won £250 cash and has been offered a recording deal. Runner up was Emma Dynes from Donaghmore has also been offered a recording deal and received £100 cash.
The Niamh Louise Foundation would like to thank all the acts over the past few weeks, all the judges and volunteers and especially Kathleen Loughran and her staff for their fantastic promotion of this event. We would also like to thank all the supporters whose donations were fantastic and to Construction Fasteners Dungannon and Loughrans Bar for providing the star prizes for the Raffle.