See pictures from Wexford's Ability's Got Talent show
And, after much deliberation from a judging panel featuring Deputy George Lawlor, boxer Dean Walsh, musician Andrew Berry, former FIFA referee Michelle O'Neill, and broadcaster Sharon Colgan, there was one unanimous winner. Karina Browne, who performed the Wexford anthem Dancing at the Crossroads, was honoured with the Ability's Got Talent trophy and a €250 cheque courtesy of Wexford Credit Union.
'She brought her entire personality to her performance, she's a huge fan of the Wexford hurling team and had practised the song so much.' said Caroline. 'She was one of those we would have picked out from the start. But there were a lot of contenders, it was a very close run thing. From the heats to the final we could see how much they'd grown, how far they'd come, I'm just so happy for them, to see how far they've come.
'We were all blown away by the night and by the performances, it met all our expectations and more. What we were all saying was that the room was so full of love and joy.'
Initially organised to spread awareness of the AD-Caller campaign which seeks to support those with disabilities when calling local businesses, the contest 'took on a life of its own' and is now set to become an annual event.
'We're coming back in November for the second run, we couldn't but do it again. There's something special about it, it gives everyone such confidence,' said Caroline who wished to thank both the Wexford Arts Centre and White's Hotel for their generosity in providing their premises for the event. And she said Ability's Got Talent was characterised by its community involvement.
'This wasn't about me, this was about me calling on others to help. It was a community project, I really want to stress that, everyone came together to support us. All the performers really felt that support, some of them have told me they're already practising for November.'
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