A Talented Showing

On the heels of the successful International Students’ Day, the canteen of Dun Laoghaire College of Further Education once again played host to a celebration, this time however it wasn’t food on the menu but musicians.

The students of SE6C, headed by project manager, Brian Sheridan, who was also the MC for the proceedings, organized a talent show for the students of the college. The contest which featured six diverse acts, was judged by tutors, Gemma Cox, Philip Thompson and Niamh Crowley. The judges all offered words of wisdom to the contestants following each performance.

Clara Byrne, who also played at the International Students’ Day, was up first, covering Britney Spears’ hit “Toxic” in her own bluesy style.

That was followed by double act Kevin and Jono who performed the Stone Roses track “I wanna be adored”, the judges didn’t seem keen, but I thought they did a good job, and I hate the Stone Roses!

Next was uber talented guitarist Jack Quinn who wowed the crowd with an unusual over handed playing technique.

Then we were treated to the lone electric guitar act of the show, Anthony Donnelly, who performed a self penned number called “It‘s cold outside”, eerily reminiscent of Radiohead in their heyday, this was my favourite. Judge Gemma Cox called it “Haunting”. He should have gotten more points for writing the song himself but then that’s not the way of the mainstream music business, is it?

Then came the comedy portion of the show, Veronica Heywood, came sauntering on to the stage, the scarf around her neck looked like it was about to come to life and do its best impersonation of a boa constrictor but alas it wasn’t to be. She said something unintelligible and walked back off the stage as the audience howled with laughter and the judges nervously looked around perhaps searching for Jeremy Beadle!

The final act was Terry Rukenya, who soulfully belted out the Leona Lewis hit “Bleeding Love”, a capella. “Star Quality” remarked Gemma Cox.

This was followed by the raffle with proceeds going to charity. A few suspicious eyes were looking the way of principal Michael Condron as his ticket was pulled for the second time and I laughed myself hoarse when Marc Cassidy was booed upon his ticket being drawn, by Ruain O’ hOgain of all people! PJ7’s Francis Lomax (who does not wish to be quoted) was heard to say “This is the worst raffle ever”

Then came the announcement of the winner, drum roll, Clara Byrne, she came back on the stage and played the show to a close with, once again, “Toxic” by Britney Spears. Very well organized and executed SE6C should be very proud. All in all a very enjoyable afternoon of fun