Curtain falls on Olwyn’s dream

The large crowd gathered in The Clock Bar in Ballyhaunis look on nervously as the results of the All-Ireland Talent Show are revealed. Local girl Olwyn Murray finished fourth.

Curtain falls on Olwyn’s dream


Michael Commins

When the curtain came down on the All-Ireland Talent Show on Sunday night, Olwyn Murray’s impressive run also came to an end. The young singer did Ballyhaunis and the county proud by taking fourth place.
Victory went to the youngest competitor in the final, Chloe Coyle from Co Tyrone. The Na Fianna ballad group from Laois and Kilkenny were runners-up with sean nós dancer Emma O’Sullivan and accordion player John O’Halloran from Connemara taking third spot.
It was a mammoth journey for Olwyn, who became a household name during the series. Throughout the contest, she blossomed in confidence; Daithí O Sé even recognised a drop of Hollywood in her.
The Ballyhaunis student received tremendous support along the way, and the team behind her ran a massive campaign. It was no surprise that she made it all the way to the last six and it looks almost certain that she will pursue a stage career in the future. This dream might be over, but there’s plenty more within reach.
As the build-up towards the final grew and grew, Ballyhaunis was on a high. Ballyhaunis Chamber of Commerce erected a banner wishing Olwyn well as she headed east for the grand final.
SiobhΡn Devine and Anna Henry, both members of the teaching staff at Ballyhaunis Community School, were Olwyn’s mentors for the contest. They said it had been a wonderful journey from the outset. “Naturally, we were a bit disappointed for a short time on the night but Olwyn certainly did herself proud. She has no need to feel down. She gave it her best shot, she was fantastic and is a star in our eyes. No one has any regrets at all, it was a wonderful journey and we are all so proud of her,” said Ms Devine.
Olwyn and family members, supporters and friends travelled back down on the bus from Ardmore Studios in Bray on Sunday night after the show and arrived home in Ballyhaunis just before 1am. Friends gathered at the Square and outside the family owned Clock Tavern, where Olwyn was given a great welcome, with loads of warm hugs and handshakes all around.
Her parents, Breda and Adrian Murray, have extended heartfelt thanks to all who had been part of Olwyn’s huge journey and to the many thousands of people who voted for and supported their talented daughter all the way in the marathon campaign.
Yesterday (Monday), life was returning to normal for Olwyn. She was back in school in Ballyhaunis, getting back to the books and preparing for the Leaving Cert. “That’s Olwyn, she’s very down to earth. She enjoyed every minute of the All Ireland Talent series and is now looking forward to moving on to the next stage of her life. She is a credit to us all here in the school and Ballyhaunis,” said Ms Devine.