Students stage musical night with top singers

FIVE intrepid Southside students have managed to convince two of Ireland’s finest voices to perform a special evening of music as part of their course assignments.

‘An Evening with Mary Byrne and Des Willoughby’ featuring both singers is being organised by Barry O’Connor, Dean Forrester, Luke Riley, Robert Kelly and Patrick Ekhonmun who are all taking a Ballyfermot College of Further Education Music Management Course.

As part of the course they are required to organise, manage and promote a music event.

And as a proud Ballyfermot local Mary was delighted to be able to assist these young students who are starting out on their journey in the music business.

They have created the group

‘SpotLight Promotions’ for this one-off event which promises to be filled with hit songs from the musicals, contemporary classics and beautiful Irish ballads.

Mary Byrne’s story is the stuff of fairy tales and movies. She’s the Tesco supermarket checkout lady who took a chance in life at the age of 50 by auditioning for Britain and Ireland’s biggest TV talent show, the X Factor.

Although she was pipped for a place in the 2010 X Factor final, Mary won the hearts of millions with her big, warm personality and powerhouse voice.

And when she finally got her life-changing break in the world of show business, this bright and ambitious woman with a wealth of life’s experiences under her belt was determined to make the most of it.

Since then, Mary has performed for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on her historic State visit to Ireland in 2011, and shared the stage with Neil Diamond to perform for over 55,000 fans at the Aviva Stadium.

She has just scored a top ten hit with her new album

‘Magic of the Musicals’.

Des Willoughby, who is regarded as having one of the most natural tenor voices in the country, is making a big impression on the national and international music scene.

He has toured extensively in Ireland, the UK and the United States as a soloist, as a member of The Three Irish Tenors, and most recently with his five brothers as The Willoughby Brothers.

Croke Park has provided the stage for some of the highlights of his career to date having sung the National Anthem at a number of All-Ireland Finals. He has performed on numerous TV and radio shows all over Ireland.

In 2007 he released his debut album

‘To Where You Are’ which features a blend of Irish classics, musical favourites and contemporary hits.

Guest artists on the night will include You’re a Star winner 2007 David O’Connor who recently appeared on TV3’s Songs of Inspiration with Red Hurly, and Dean Forrester who is currently a contestant on this year’s The Voice Ireland.

Tickets for the Tuesday, March 3 event are

?¬15 and are available from the Red Cow Inn on 01-4593650. Doors open at 7.30pm and show starts at 8.30pm.