A Donegal family is hoping to be named Ireland’s most talented by taking part in the TG4 talent show Réalta agus Gaolta.
The Coyle family from Letterkenny – Audrey, James, Lochlainn and Leila – will appear in the fifth episode of this year’s show on Sunday night, March 9 at 8.30pm to try to secure a much coveted slot in the final.
Hosted by Síomha Ni Ruairc, the best singing, dancing and musical families the nation has to offer compete to be crowned the most talented family in Ireland.The show which is filmed in RTE studios in Dublin (right next to the Late Late studio!) is judged by champion sean-nós singer Irial Ó Ceallaigh and award-winning broadcaster Sinéad Ní Uallacháin. Each week a guest judge from the world of showbiz joins the show. The guest judge during the Coyle’s heat is west Donegal singer/song writer Megan Nic Ruairí of the well-known folk/trad band Clann Mhic Ruairí.
James, who plays guitar, and Audrey who plays violin, initially met in a band and gigged the length and breadth of Donegal. Audrey taught music in Carndonagh Community School for 21 years and put on many school musicals and talent shows during her time there. She is currently teaching in Loreto Convent, Letterkenny. Their children have developed a love of music from their parents with Leila (13) taking on the role of lead singer in the group “Clann Coyle” (Muintir Coyle on the the show) and Lochlainn (15) keeping everyone right on the drums. Their youngest, Alfie, though still a bit young to compete on the show is hot on the heels of his siblings showing great potential on his big brother’s drums already at the age of 5!
“We are so fortunate to get these kind of opportunities to play music with our kids. It’s such a special gift. It’s not easy at their age to get up and perform in front of the whole country so myself and Audrey couldn’t be more proud of them. ” says James.
In the fifth episode on Sunday we’ll see the Coyle family from Letterkenny perform in front of the judges.
Judging the families are champion sean-nós singer Irial Ó Ceallaigh and award-winning broadcaster Sinéad Ní Uallacháin. Each week they’ll be joined by a special guest judge from the world of showbiz. From Hothouse Flowers co-founder Fiachna Ó Braonáin to maestro fiddle musician – Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh and singer and musician Piaras Ó Lorcáin, many of them understand the joy (and challenge!!!) of performing with their families. They may not all see eye to eye but host Síomha Ní Ruairc will be on hand to keep them in check.
Who will come out on top? Will we find the next Clannad? It’s all up for grabs Sunday nights at 8.30pm on TG4.
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