Galway schoolgirl’s talent rises to the top in televised final

 The Renmore schoolgirl was one of ten finalists from an original entry of over 1,200 students from all over the country. The final of the competition held in the Limerick Concert Hall was televised on TV3 on Sunday evening when viewers were treated to a variety of entertainment from traditional music, to rock to theatre performances. But it was Clare, a pupil of the Dominican College in Taylor’s Hill, who impressed the judges with the quality of her voice as she delivered Nella Fantasia by Ennio Morricone from the film The Mission. It is Clare’s dream to sing professionally and she has been singing from an early age and in recent years honing her vocals thanks to her voice teacher, Michel Durham, who said she “couldn’t stop smiling” about Clare’s terrific win. “She has worked so hard and is proof that hard work pays off and I am very proud of her achievements.” Marie Kerrigan, Clare’s music teacher at the Dominican College, said: “It is a wonderful achievement and it was wonderful to be there on the night to share the moment with Clare and her family.” Clare has sung in church, for weddings and funerals as well as entertained in nursing homes and community functions. She had qualified in various heats and was thrilled to be taking part in the national talent final. She is now the proud holder of not only the title of being the most talented schoolgoer in Ireland but is now in possession of the All Ireland cup, one that will remind her to continue working towards her goal — that of being a professional classical singer. Read more in today’s Connacht Sentinel.