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Michael seeking your vote in All Ireland Talent final
In great voice… Michael Lawlor, Bandon, who is in the final of the All Ireland Talent Show, live on RTE 1 television next Sunday. (Pic: Denis Boyle)
THE excitement is mounting ahead of Bandon man Michael Lawlor’s appearance in the grand final of the All Ireland Talent Show live on RTE 1 television this Sunday night, March 14, from 6.30pm.
Michael is one of six finalists bidding for the first prize of €50,000 and as was the case in the heat in January and the semi-final on February 28, it’s you the viewers at home who will decide who is to be all-Ireland champion for 2010.
As he did in the first heat, the tenor will be singing the classic ‘Nessun Dorma’ from Puccini’s opera Turandot, and, looking forward to Sunday night, said he was overwhelmed by the many messages of goodwill and banners from residents and business people in Bandon, County Cork and beyond. He specially thanked the children and teachers in schools he has visited and sung for in recent weeks.
Thirty supporters, including Michael’s wife Philomena, daughters Simone, Michelle and Leona and Shane plus other relatives and friends will be in Bray to cheer him on at the live show presented by Tyrone Productions after which it’s up to the viewers to cast their votes. The result will be announced at around 9pm on Sunday night.
RTE radio broadcaster, studio panellist and mentor John Creedon from Cork said the people of Ireland have fallen for Michael Lawlor in a big way and in the semi-final heat described him as ‘the man who puts passion into passionate, gentle in gentleman and grand in to granddad’. The tenor, who put his career on hold in order to raise his family, was now ready to fulfil his dream. His comments were echoed by Eurovision winner Dana and fellow studio judges Blathnaid Ni Chofaigh, Daithi O Se and Shane Lynch.
Whatever the outcome, Michael Lawlor has brought great pride to the people of Bandon and West Cork in the aftermath of flooding and other setbacks. He has also received lots of offers to perform and in thanking everyone for their support told The Southern Star it has been ‘a wonderful journey and a fabulous experience’.
In addition to being presented with a cheque for €50,000, the winner of the All Ireland Talent Show will also feature in the Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Parade and be on its panel of judges.