“From months to go to seconds to go suited up with my friends Cian and Dylan but our friend Robert got the whole suit thing wrong, he came as RAMBO. Cian on bass, Dylan on drums, Robert going mad with the mic and me on guitar. We were The Splinters. We rocked it out.“
KEVIN O’CONNOR
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Outta Control
Luke Barry – Bass guitar, vocals: “Some craic”
Steven Mac – Rhythm guitar, Lead vocals: “Great Experience”
David Upton – Drums: “Out of Control”
Ciaran Nolan – Lead guitar: “Awesome“
“We picked this song because we knew it would get the crowd going” LUKE BARRY
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“Exciting, one of the biggest moments of my life! Hard work but it paid off! Singing ‘For the First Time’ by The Script was unreal, the atmosphere and the buzz was amazing and dancing to ‘Fascination’ was so lovely and energy filled. An extremely proud moment in my life.“
CLAIRE O’CONNOR
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“I remember the first time performing my song in front of everyone. I had butterflies in my stomach, my hands were shaking. Actually I changed the song several times and eventually I picked ‘White Horse’ by Taylor Swift. I enjoyed the night very much and it was one of the best experiences here in Ireland for me, one I will take to Slovakia with me.“
MICHAELA SVRCEKOVA
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“I’ve taken part in the Desmond Factor almost every year. When my name was called out announcing I was the winner I couldn’t believe it was such an honour. The atmosphere on the night was epic! I always have a good laugh rehearsing and all the teachers involved give great support.“
LAURA FITZPATRICK – WINNER OF DESMOND FACTOR
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“Desmond Factor 2011 was a great show of the school’s talent. On the night my nerves were in a heap. We practiced every day after school, which I really enjoyed. Mr. Casey and other mentors were so helpful. When the night came I was very excited. I couldn’t believe it when the judge called out ‘winner of the alternative category – James O’Connor.’ I was so happy. From then on I was known affectionately as ‘Bodhran Guy’!”
JAMES O’CONNOR – WINNER OF ALTERNATIVE CATEGORY
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“Desmond Factor was the best part of the school year for me. It’s some laugh. Can’t wait for next year. It gets better as the years go on.“
RACHEL O’MAHONY – WINNER OF SENIOR SOLOIST