Performers excel when given ‘Chance to Shine’
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Siobhan Moore taking a selfie with some of the cast of Chance to Shine at Mullingar Arts Centre.Image 2 of 12
Ciaran McNally (Collinstown) and Louise Geoghegan (Tyrrellspass).Image 3 of 12
Fintan Bray fixing David Hogg’s tie.Image 4 of 12
Katie Gaynor, Marie Kelly and Mary Gaynor at Mullingar Arts Centre.Image 5 of 12
Margaret Brady and Michelle Whelehan took part in the show.Image 6 of 12
Thomas Daly and Philip Connolly.Image 7 of 12
Alison Rock from Mullingar and Jamie Cooney from Ballinabrackey.Image 8 of 12
Emily Jennings and Radu Muntean from Mullingar.Image 9 of 12
Virginia Jennings from Collinstown and Orla Keating from Mullingar.Image 10 of 12
Eileen Dunne (Irish Down Syndrome ambassador) with Dualta Callaghan.Image 11 of 12
Jamie Cooney, Emily Quinn and Kelvin Fitzgerald at the arts centre for the Chance to Shine event.Image 12 of 12
Bowen Llewellyn, Aisling Ryan, Tina Kane, Denis McNally and Gareth Rynn at A Chance to Shine.There may have been a weather warning in place due to heavy fog, but a large crowd still turned out to cheer on the talented performers taking part in the Chance to Shine concert at Mullingar Arts Centre.
Since 2012, the annual concert provides children and adults with additional with a platform to perform and express themselves artistically.
Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner, Nessa O’Reilly, who established the Chance to Shine Programme in 2007 and produces the concert, said that this year’s was one of the best yet, and the performers excelled once again.
“The show allows the performers to show case their creative ability, and it has developed in to a national competition.
“It gives schools, residential services, day services, drama groups and other organisations a structure to work towards each year and for the performers they are given the chance to prepare a piece and showcase their talents.”
This year’s Chance to Shine MC was well-known comedian Kevin McGahern, and among the judges was Denys Samson, one of the professional dancers on Dancing With The Stars (DWTS).
Denys is also one of the mentors, along with Nessa, of the locally based Barn Door Creative Dance Company. The other judge on the night was Fr Niall Greene, while the hair and make-up teams from DWTS led by Mary Drummond and Carolann McGuirk, made sure that every perform looked their best. Videographer Michael Bracken recorded all the performances.
Thanking everyone involved for playing their part in ensuring that the night was a huge success, Nessa says that people are already looking forward to next year’s show.
Results
Best Overall: Barn Door Creative Dance Company, mentors Denys and Nessa.
Best Couple: Tracy and Kalvin, Muiriosa, mentor Edward Burns.
Best Solo: Rita, Chance to Shine Programme, mentor Nessa.
Best Dance: Katie Gaynor, Barn Door Creative Dance Company, mentors Denys and Nessa.
Best Drama: Across The Boards, mentor Sarah Nally, Mullingar Arts Centre.
Best Singing: Alison Rock, mentor Geraldine O’Brien.
Best Musician: Andrea Buckley on piano, mentor Lisa Smith.
Best Ensemble: Muíriosa Foundation, Chance to Shine Programme, mentor Edward Burns.