All Ireland showdown for Na Fianna
THE Na Fianna boys are now one step closer to achieving their All Ireland dream as they clinched a place in the final of the All Ireland Talent Show.
Sunday's semi final saw the four piece from Ballinakill, Durrow and Kilkenny perform two famous songs - 'Caledonia' and 'Spanish Lady', which have now brought them through to the final of the competition, to be aired in two weeks on RT on Sunday, March 14.
The group, Lee Campion, John and Damian Walsh and Ross Hennessy, have had a hectic few weeks since the beginning of the competition last January, as they had the added task of competing in the wild card round. Up against stiff competition, the group's charm shone through as they won the hearts of the five judges, as well as the votes from thousands of programme viewers.
Of course things will only get busier for the four piece over the next few weeks as they prepare to release their debut single, entitled 'The Music Makers'. Written by a close friend of the band, bodhran player Damian says the song "is close to our hearts. It is about passing on traditions and values from generation to generation". The group will be performing this single at the final of the show. "If we do something safe we may or may not win, so we want to do something original. Nearly one million people will be watching the song at the final."
The group's ambition doesn't stop there though. "We want to prove we have a future, that we are versatile and not afraid to do something different." Damian is hoping that the county will once more get behind Na Fianna for the final. "We want to bring the first All Ireland of the year back to Laois."
The boys were thrilled with last Sunday's result and are very thankful to the people of Laois who voted for them. "It really gives us a lift, we are just ordinary people who have tried our best. We have seen a huge step up in the support, so many people watched and voted for us in the semi final."
For the past two weeks it has been down to the wire for the group and they are hoping that come final night, their name will be the last to be called out, announcing them the winners. "We really hope to be the winning act that gets to open the Dublin's St Patrick's Day parade on O' Connell Street." Na Fianna are thrilled with the response from their home counties so far and especially from the GAA clubs who have messaged their members. This week's winner of the draw to have the boys perform a free gig is Crettyard GAA Club.
With the second semi final taking place next Sunday evening, the group no doubt will be watching to see the next three acts they will be up against in the final. Also through to this year's final are Sean Ns performers Emma and John from the West, and contender for the South, opera singer Michael Lawlor. The competition will be tough in next Sunday’s second semi final, and Damien said that “whoever comes through will have earned their place in the final.”
The Na Fianna campaign will be stepped up throughout Laois, Kilkenny and the surrounding counties as the boys and their supporters rally the troops to give the group much needed votes for the final showdown. Every vote counts and people can vote as many times as they want to for the group.
The final of the All Ireland Talent Show will be aired on RT 1 at 6.30pm on Sunday March 14.
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Friday 18 May 2012
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