Be the most talented in Ireland bar none

HUNDREDS of Clare musicians will be showcasing their talents in this year’s Stars of our Bars competition in watering holes throughout the county in the coming months.
Following on from the success of last year’s competition, the Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) in association with Smithwicks are running the pub talent competition again this year.
Up to 5,000 acts from all walks of life across the country and hundreds in Clare alone will take part to be in with a chance to win from the cash prize fund of €50,000 and to be crowned Smithwick’s Stars or our Bars Champion 2011.
A spokesman for the competition said all acts are welcome, so musicians should feel free to bring their spoons, don their magician’s cape, or just belt out a ballad of their choice.
Heats will commence at the this weekend and successful contestants will move on to the county finals in March before going head-to-head with the best in their county in April.
The All-Ireland final will take place in May where a panel of judges, including Newstalk and former Something Happens frontman Tom Dunne will select the overall national winner.
Entry to the competition is free and aspiring performers can enter through their nearest participating pub. For more information and a list of participating pubs visit www.vfi.ie.
Gerry Mellett, president of the VFI, said, “We hope to see people of all ages entering with traditional or unique talents and we are encouraging their supporters to head down to the local pubs to cheer them on.”