Star of the Hood, 13, to release CD

ONE of the country’s youngest rap stars is planning to release a CD after winning €2,000 to purchase his own recording equipment.

Calvin McNamara, 13, beat stiff competition to be crowned champion of the Stars in the Hood rap competition held in Limerick’s Moyross housing estate.

The contest was organised by youth worker Jamie Daly who works closely with the Moyross monks who opened a friary in the northside estate in July 2007.

Calvin, who performed How Do You Like Me Now? lives near the monks in the Delmege Park area.

He was one of the youngest contestants and beat off competition from 24 other acts from across Limerick to win the top prize. And yesterday he began spending his prize money and purchased a laptop and microphone.

“I won the biggest trophy in the north and south side of Limerick and €2,000. Once I record my CD I plan to release it in the shops,” explained the excited schoolboy.

“I should have it done in two weeks,” he added.

Mr Daly, whose eight-year-old son Daniel also took part in the rap contest, said he was thrilled with the success of the event.

According to Br Shawn Comer, who has been living in the Delmege Park Friary for the past three years, the rap competition was an ideal way of reaching out to young people.

“It’s also a way to promote the positive and keep the kids occupied,” he said.

Br Shawn said the key to the monks being able to support such activities is the fact they live in Moyross.

“In the past six months especially we have gained the trust of locals. They see us here helping as part of the community,” he said.