Navan singer through in All-Ireland Talent Show

Navan singer Paul Powderly has made it through to the live shows of the All-Ireland Talent Show and will represent the east in the competition on Sunday night, 7th February. Paul is originally from Alexander Reid, Navan, but now lives at Beaufort Place and is a well-known face from the talent scene in the town having first taken part in talent shows in Beechmount Hotel in 1992. He has won talent competitions in the Newgrange Hotel and Swans of Curraha, and took part in St Mary's Musical Society's 'Stars In Their Eyes' for the past three years. Paul is also involved with the Rathkenny Revels. He appeared on RTE's 'The Lyrics Board' show about four years ago and previously took part in a talent competition on TG4. Paul works as a relief attendant in St Joseph's Hospital, Trim. He is married to Theresa and has three children, Shauna (18) and twins Jake and Naomi (13), who will be cheering him on at Ardmore Studios on Sunday night along with a group of 50 friends and family who are supporting him. Paul was one of 40 acts to get through the first audition in Kilkenny and went on to the two-day audition in Dublin where he was chosen as one of just eight acts from the east to make it through to the live shows. He will sing 'Unchained Melody' on Sunday night and has been busy practising his vocals every night in preparation for the show. His mentor is Rath Cairn native Blathnaid Ni Chofaigh. Paul was delighted and surprised to make it through. He said: "I couldn't believe it. I was very surprised to make it through. The two days in Dublin were fantastic and I've made some good friends with the team and crew." The All-Ireland Talent Show is on RTE 1 on Sunday evening at 6.30pm. The top act goes through to the next stage and the judges decide between the second and third act on which to send forward to the 'Wildcard Show'.