Over-60s stars of yesteryear to put talents to the test on stage

FORMER winners of the country’s biggest talent contest for senior citizens will star in a new stage show in Cork next month.

Up to a dozen people who won the hugely-popular Over-60s Talent Contest show over the years will take centre stage in the new Over-60s Show at Cork Opera House on November 26.

The Over-60s Talent Contest, which was established in 1976 by Paddy O’Brien, has become one of the highlights of the city’s social calendar.

Tickets for the City Hall event are very rare and thousands are left disappointed every year.

Mr O’Brien said this new show is designed to give those people a chance to enjoy a night of entertainment from the Over-60s.

Lord Mayor Cllr Michael Ahern launched details of the show at City Hall yesterday.

Up to 12 previous winners of the Over-60s Talent Show will star in next month’s showcase, including Dave Roche, who won the competition in 1984.

The former Cork senior footballer, who played alongside Jack Lynch, will sing A Pair of Sparkling Eyes.

Other previous winners like former top soccer referee and chairman of Togher Senior Citizens, 84-year-old Sammy Spillane from Evergreen Street, Joy McAlevey from the Lough, and this year’s winner, Liam McCarthy, will also star.

They will be supported by Sonny Knowles and Dublin comedian Sean Connors.

Chi Therapists on Sullivan’s Quay is sponsoring the event.

All proceeds will go to the Irish Heart Foundation, which benefited to the tune of €24,000 from June’s final.

Tickets priced €20, €18, and €15 are on sale now from the Opera House box office: 021 427 0022.