Clara man to take part in National Concert Hall talent final

Clara man and Moate Macra na Feirme member, Michael Clyne, will make history when he steps on stage in the National Concert Hall in Dublin on Sunday, May 3. He will compete in the Silver Jubilee National Final of the Macra National Talent Competition, which commences at 6.30 pm. This competition which was launched in 1984 and had its first National Final in the Gaiety Theatre in June 1985. It is one of Macra"s biggest and most popular competitions. It features eight entirely separate events, some for groups, others for individuals in music, singing, comedy, acting, dancing and quiz. The National Final features four finalists in each of the eight events namely Disco Dancing (for groups), Solo Instrumental Music, Solo Singing, Novelty Act (a comedy sketch or novelty act for groups), Mastermind (individual quiz), Set Dancing, Comedy (for solo performers or duos) and Pop/Folk/Ballad Group. Michael will become the first ever National Final representative from Moate Macra in the 25 year history of the competition. Michael Clyne, who hails from Clara, was an unsuccessful candidate in the recent election of a Leinster Vice-President of Macra. However, he will be turning his attentions to more light-hearted matters in the Concert Hall as it is in the comedy section that he makes his bid for glory. He qualified for the Final from the recent National Semi-Final in Mullingar Arts Centre when his very clever, witty and funny piece entitled "Word Inflation" won favour with the adjudicators. Michael becomes one of only a small number of Westmeath entertainers who have reached the Macra National Talent Final over the years. Indeed Westmeath"s only success in the competition came in the Mastermind event in the 2006 Final in The Helix when Anthony McGuire of Collinstown was successful. Michael Clyne"s opponents on May 3 are duos from Whitechurch, Co Cork, and Longford Town and another solo performer, John Conway, from Balyna Carbury, Co Kildare. Tickets for the National Talent Final on Sunday week can be booked from Mary Harrahill on 046 9025023/087 2908494 or direct from the National Concert Hall on 01 4710000 or www.nch.ie. Michael Clyne and his Moate colleagues will be hoping for plenty of support from Westmeath people as he bids for glory in what promises to be a memorable night"s entertainment.