Talented seniors set to strut their stuff

SHOULD Michael Flatley be at home at the time, he could be greatly impressed by the angelic warbling coming from next door.

Who knows if he starts a new show he may need traditional singers to tour the world and that could be the cue for people from all over north Cork to brush up their acts.

A regional heat of the Over-60s talent competition will be held in Castlehyde House Hotel, in Fermoy next door to the Lord of the Dance star's stately home.

The competition, in its 28th year, is sponsored by the Evening Echo and will feature contestants from as far apart as Millstreet and Mitchelstown.

"The competition, as a whole, has become the biggest social event in Ireland for senior citizens," founder Paddy O'Brien said.

The local organising committee is headed by former Cork footballer Dave Roche, who has been kept very busy preparing for the competition.

Dave, a former winner of the competition in 1985, said: "We are very pleased the competition will be held in Fermoy. On the night, the public will also be entertained by some local guest artists."

One person will be selected from the north Cork heat in Fermoy to go forward to the semi-final at Cork City Hall on March 14 and proceeds from the competition will be donated to the Irish Heart Foundation.