Savills went for a song at cities’ talent show fundraisers

A talent-show fundraiser run by estate agents Savills in Cork, Dublin and Belfast cities last week raised over €50,000 for cancer services in each of the three locations, entertaining over 1,000 people in the process. And, Louis Walsh impressions featuree among the three different judging panels in the Cork/Dublin/Belfast’s ‘Got Talent’ shows.

Surprising star of the night at the Cork’s Got Talent gig, attended by 200, was former Ireland Munster rugby coach Declan Kidney, who as one of the panel’s three judges proved a dead-pan comedian in his briefest of quips.

He was joined in the judging front row by Dave Farrell from rock band Rubyhorse, and Gemma Sugrue from Voiceworks Studio, in judging the ten Cork acts.

MC at the Kingsley Hotel venue was actor Packie O’Callaghan, all co-ordinated by Catherine McAuliffe and the full staff of Savills’ Cork office. Winner was solo singer/songwriter Sarah Ryan, representing PJ Hegartys.

It’s understood the Cork event raised €13,000 for the Oncology Ward of CUH. Other beneficiaries were Childhood Cancer Foundation in Dublin, and CLIC Sargent Northern Ireland.

In Dublin, 400 attended Savill’s night at the Ballsbridge Hotel with former HOK MD Paul McNeive as a judge, reprising his role as a Bono look-alike, along with Ronan O’Hara from Sherry FitzGerald as a lisping, Louis-like judge.

In Belfast — where the Got Talent format was trialled — 500 attended.

Having surpassed expectation and exceeding €50,000 in funds, Savills — take a bow — are looking at a repeat performance.

Details: Savills 021-4271371.