On 9th December St Mary's Performing Arts Society hosted a talent show, ‘St Mary’s Got Talent’, in aid of three worthwhile charities, Cancer Research, Project Zambia and Orphans and Widows of Aids Uganda.
Fundraising for these particular charities was the motivation driving the Performing Arts Society, as their work is meaningful and relevant to the College community.
‘St Mary’s Got Talent’ received an outstanding reception from the audience as singers, dancers and musicians provided entertainment of an extremely high standard. The judges offered comments of wit and wisdom to the enthusiastic contestants, with a mixture of lecturers (Catherine Gilliland and Fr McGee) and guest judges (Owen McColgan and Ryan Quinn).
The act crowned champion was the fantastic band, First Time Wonder. The band got together before the competition combining the forces of Niall Quinn on bodhran, Mark O’Hagan on guitar and vocals and Fergal Quinn as lead voice. With their own rendition of Nelly’s ‘Just A Dream’, the band won over the audience vote to lift the trophy and cash prize.
The collective total of all proceeds taken on the night came to £1269, which will be divided equally amongst the three charities. St Mary’s Performing Arts Society would like to extend their appreciation to all of those in the College community who contributed towards the successful running of the event and to thank everyone for their generosity.
Kevin Harper, Senior Area Manager for Cancer Research UK said,
“Cancer Research UK currently spends around £2.5 million every year in Northern Ireland on the research, treatment, and identification of cancer. Without the support of committed supporters, such as the students at St Mary’s, we would simply be unable to carry out this life-saving work.”