Ardee Student Is Top Of Class Acts!

December 15th 2009 in An Tain theatre Dundalk was a night to remember for the audience who enjoyed the tremendous talents of De La Salle Colleges finest. Class Act 2009 brought some 14 of the college's supreme singers, dancers, comedians and musicians to the stage of the town hall in Dundalk. This year's show, organised by Mr. Kieran Gallagher, Ms. Jennifer Egan, Ms. Annmarie Corcoran and Mr. Daragh Mc Keon featured a talented variety of vocalists, instrumentalists and dancers.
The evening began with dancer Mark Gilmore who engaged the crowd with his slick and energetic Michael Jackson tribute. Pop punk band 'Lost In Transit'( Kieron Breagy, Charlie Abbot, Jonathon Murphy and Alex Kenny) followed with an impressive performance of Green Day's 'Holiday' and Blink 182's 'I Miss You'. Sixth year group 'Boyz to Girlz' wowed the audience with their humorous dance routine to a medley of well know songs from the eighties, nineties and noughties. Class Act veteran and former winner Francis Watters followed with a flawless performance of his own composition 'Faith' and 'Meeting Place' by Last Shadow Puppets. Next, second years Cathal Grennan and Adams Omorede recital of the old classic 'Hole in the bucket' had the packed crowd in stitches. Pianist Pauric Healy of 6th year followed with a scintillating performance of MGMT song 'Kids' and his own arrangement of 'Truman Sleeps' from the Jim Carey film 'The Truman Show'. Brothers Richard and Christopher O'Hagan brought the first half of the show to a captivating close with their beautiful interpretation of Mumford and Son's 'Lion Man' and Westlife's 'What about Now?' Their haunting harmonies were the talk of the interval.

The second half was kicked off by the effervescent Brandon McGee. The diminutive dude with the big voice together with funky backing dancer a.k.a. Conor Murphy wowed the crowd with his incredible performance of Queen's 'I Want To Break Free' and 'Don't Stop Me Now'. Next came fifth year Christopher Donnelly. His stand up comedy provided the packed audience with some much needed laughs in these times of recession. Cormac Todd of fifth year followed this with an engaging and energetic performance. His rendition of Jason Mraz's 'I'm Yours' had the whole audience singing along to this catchy tune. Eoghan Murphy followed next with a flawless performance on the fiddle. The Champion Irish dancer then enthralled the crowd with his technically brilliant, engaging and energetic reel. Cathal Grennan then returned to the stage with a pitch perfect version of Robbie William's 'She's The One'. Repeat singer Helena Mullins sublime performance came next. Her enchanting version of Cyndi Lauper's 'True Colours' and 'I dreamed a dream' from musical Les Miserables brought the audience to their feet. Finally alternative rock band and 2008 winners Gorilla Warfare (Francis Watters, Niall Clarke, Darren Hoey and Shane Gonnelly) brought the show to an impressive climax with rousing renditions of Cold Plays 'Viva La Vida' and King of Leon's 'Someone Like You'.
Now it was over to the judges who faced the unenviable task of choosing their top three from an extremely talented and eclectic field. As the audience anxiously awaited the result, Class Act compere Mr Hugh Carr entertained with his trademark wit and assured ease. There was an audible hush in the packed Tain theatre as the judges emerged onto the stage. Months of rehearsals and hard work had come down to this moment. A well deserved third place went to Christopher and Richard O'Hagan. Second place went to sublime vocalist Helena Mullins. The winner of the highly coveted 'Class Act' trophy was the highly talented pianist and Ardee native- Pauric Healy. It truly was a night to remember!