Published: Friday, 15th January, 2010 12:13pm

Cavan's Got Talent 2010 search gets under way

Rock and Roll! Cavan's Got Talent was launched in The Imperial on Friday night. The competition, in conjunction with The Anglo-Celt, is now in its second year and looking for more local talent after its success last year. From left: Pizza Denson, Free Non (who took part last year); Jimmy Fox, judge; Kathy Durkin, judge; Linda O'Reilly, event organiser; Philip Doherty; judge and Donal Keogan, organiser and sponsor. Photo: Lorraine Teevan

Could you be Cavan's answer to Susan Boyle? If you're 'dreaming a dream', perhaps Cavan's Got Talent is just the stage for you to launch your career.

Indeed, while the unlikely Scottish talent show contender, who sold six million albums in the run-up to Christmas, was going through the gruelling process of last year's series of Britain's Got Talent, Cavan also unearthed lots of talent.

Cootehill songbird, Maria Greenan, won the final of Cavan's Got Talent in the Imperial in May 2009, claiming the top prize of €7,000.

Last Friday night, Cavan's Got Talent 2010 was launched in the Imperial Bar, Cavan, with a prize fund of €10,000 once again up for grabs. The Anglo-Celt is partnering the event for a second year as media sponsor.

The event organisers are looking for talent of all description this year.

"We hope to see dance, comedy, choirs, musicians, singers, bands and much more brought to the stage this year," said Linda O'Reilly from the organising committee. "Cavan is bursting with talent and we can't wait to showcase it on stage in the Imperial for all to see and support. We're looking forward to making it bigger and better than last year and can't wait to get started," continued Linda, adding that the two new judges on the panel will be announced in the coming weeks.

Also look out for the return of the anonymous "fourth judge" in The Anglo-Celt who will be reviewing the performances weekly in the newspaper and promises to be even harder to please than last year. Simon Cowell - watch your back!

Meanwhile, last year's winner, who planned to put her cash prize towards further studies for a Masters in Music Therapy, has been delighted with the boost the competition has given her.

"It has been such an enjoyable experience, it's unbelievable," said Maria.

The first live show takes place on February 19 and the competition will continue every Friday night for ten weeks. Anyone wishing to audition contact Linda at 086-6088451 or email lindaz@eircom.net.