Local singer reaches final of talent contest

LOCAL singer Joe Rabbette has won his way through to the final of the TG4 talent contest Glór Tíre.

Joe, who is mentored by the Sheerin Family Band, is one of three contestants to make the final which will take place next Tuesday night at 9.30pm.

The programme, which seeks to uncover Ireland’s newest country and western star, is broadcast live from The Quays in Galway on Tuesday evenings.

Getting to the final is a dream come true for Clara man Joe, who resides in Rosemount.

He was thrilled to get through last week's semi-final and will compete against Conor O'Donnell and Gary Fitzpatrick, both from Donegal, in the decider.

Two of the four contestants in the semi-final made their way through to the final, based on votes, while the other two sang again to compete for a place. Joe was thrilled that he was one of the two who got through based on the votes last night.

“It was great that I got in on votes rather than be in the bottom two,” he told the Westmeath Independent.

“I was shocked and delighted. There was a great atmosphere.”

He said that an appearance in the final is the icing on the cake for a competition he has thoroughly enjoyed.

“I didn't expect to get this far. There is huge competition,” he said. “Whatever happens after this, I am over the moon to get this far.”

He thanked everyone who travelled to Galway and those who voted for him each week and asked people for one last effort, to help him claim the title next week. “A huge thanks to everybody. Without the votes I would be gone home,” he said.

* People can vote for Joe by texting GLOR5 to 53307, or they can receive five free votes if they download the Glór Tíre app.