My singing Journey by Paul Somers Lixnaw CCÉ
I first started singing in Dromclough N.S. for my first Holy Communion and then up along for concerts, Christmas carol services ect.
Ms O’ Connor, the Principal, and other teachers encouraged me to sing and were always very supportive of me through my singing journey.
My singing teacher is Donal Tydings. I have won a county medal representing Lixnaw CCÉ and have been successful for various other competitions including Ceol an Gheimhridh and Scór. Donal has attended a lot of these competitions with me and always helps and encourages me.
When I started secondary school in St Michael’s Listowel, I was only there a few days when Mrs Brosnan and her Ceilí Band asked me to sing ‘The hills around Listowel’ for an audience which included the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar. It was a great honour and I have been asked to sing for various other occasions in St Michael’s since.
Last Christmas I won the X Factor at school singing and sitting on ‘My little Honda 50’! It was great fun.
I also play the banjo. My teacher Is Timmy Flaherty and he is no stranger to the Fleadh as he has won many All Ireland medals.
Representing Lixnaw CCÉ is great as you get to travel around the country meeting various groups and you learn so much from meeting people, listening and watching musicians, singers and dancers and enjoying the entertainment.
I will continue to keep learning and singing for as long as I can.
