St. Columb’s ‘rocks’ as college boys showcase talent with Christmas performance

Organised by Mr. Ryan Horner and the music department, the students were put through their paces on stage with the 10 acts performing superbly in front of the 200 strong audience.

Although Simon Cowell had to make his apologies for not being able to attend, his replacement, former St. Columb’s student and current Derry City star Michael Duffy was joined in the judges’ chairs by Jude McCandless and Callum Feeney and they found it tough going selecting the eventual winner.

Commenting afterwards, Michael Duffy said he was delighted to have been asked to judge and praised the superb talent on display.

“It was an absolute pleasure to be part of such an exciting and incredible event at St. Columb’s tonight. It was so well organised and the quality of the acts was something to behold.

"A big thank you to my fellow judges Jude and Callum for keeping me right too!" he declared.

The winners were Irish dance duo Ben Farren and Ryan Sheerin who got a standing ovation for their performance.

Thanking everyone who attended, Principal, Mrs. Caroline McLaughlin made special mention of the superb traditional music by teachers Mr. Damien De Brun and Mr. Ciaran Stevenson for their renditions of ‘Fairytale of New York’ and ‘Lonesome Boatmen and also the compere, former student David James who kept things flowing as well as a few festive numbers thrown in for good measure.

"On behalf of everyone at St. Columb’s I would extend a massive thank you to everyone who attended tonight’s talent show. Those who performed, those who worked in the background making sure everything went off without a hitch and the many volunteers who gave of their time, and indeed, not forgetting our fabulous judges.

"Tonight was just another of our wonderful Christmas events that showcase the many talents within our school family.

"I would also take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy Christmas and Peaceful New Year,” said Mrs. McLaughlin.