Sophie sings her heart out for the Saturdays

A TALENTED Southside singer saw her dreams come true when she performed as the support act to chart topping band The Saturdays recently.

Sophie Hannah Byrne, from Cabinteely, took to the stage in front of a packed out audience at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre before the Saturdays came out on stage.

The 20-year-old had a night that she will never forget after being selected by the judges in the Bord Gáis Energy

‘Support The Saturdays’ competition.

The nationwide competition that was open to all types of entertainment acts aged 16 and over gave three lucky winners the chance to support the chart-topping girl band at a one-off charity concert at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre on Thursday, March 28.

The special concert marked Bord Gáis Energy’s second annual event in aid of the Society of St Vincent de Paul and the event raised

?¬150,000 for the charity.

Sophie was shortlisted into the top five following a public vote on the Bord Gáis Energy Facebook page.

A panel of judges, which included Saturdays superstar Una Healy, decided that the Southside girl was in the top three entrants, giving her the chance to perform on the same stage as her heroes.

Speaking after the concert, Sophie said:

“It’s an absolute dream come true for me. I’m still on cloud nine and the atmosphere on stage was amazing.

“To get the opportunity to sing at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre and to open for The Saturdays really was an honour.

“I’d like to thank both Bord Gáis Energy and The Saturdays for a night that I will never forget.

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Una Healy of the Saturdays said:

“Sophie Hannah Byrne was amazing. We were so pleased to be able to have her join us for this really special night in the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. She is going to go a long way and we look forward to watching her star rise.

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Irene Gowing, sponsorship manager, Bord Gáis Energy said:

“Sophie’s performance was absolutely fantastic and we were delighted to have her perform on such a special night.

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The Bord Gáis Energy Theatre has over 330 shows planned for 2013 and to date 200,000 tickets have already been purchased for highlights including The Lion King, Hairspray and the award winning musical Wicked.