Young Gibbstown singer's first CD

Talented young Gibbstown singer, Mandy Dowd, will launch her debut CD this weekend, a selection of well-known Christmas carols. Mandy is the eldest child of Meath's 1996 All-Ireland SFC-winning captain, Tommy Dowd, and his wife, Geraldine, and has worked with Dunshaughlin's Frank McNamara on this project, with all proceeds going to Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin. The launch of the five-track CD will be performed by another former Meath footballer, Colm O'Rourke, in Scanlon's of Kilberry this Saturday, 21st November. Mandy, who is just 14, came to prominence as a singer last Christmas when her rendition of 'O Holy Night' proved highly popular among listeners to LMFM radio. Prior to that, she sang 'Amhran na bhFiann' before the 2008 Meath Senior Football Championship final at Pairc Tailteann in Navan and again for the 2009 final and replay. 'O Holy Night' is the feature song on the CD which also covers 'The First Noel', 'Walking in the Air, 'O Little Town of Bethlehem', and 'Hark the Herald Angels Sing'. Mandy's singing career has been blossoming in recent years. She has had regular involvement with her local Oristown Church Choir and has recently joined St Mary's Parish Church Choir in Navan. She has also been involved in the most recent production by the Rathkenny Revels. She is a niece of the McGarry brothers, Michael and Seamus, who front a well-known local band and are performing in Scanlon's, Kilberry, in conjunction with the launch of the CD on Saturday. The CD will be on sale at a number of shops and filling stations at €10. Anyone wishing to purchase one should call (086) 600 2035 or (086) 386 2035.