TONIGHT I'll be in America, but I'll be on the phone to home as it's a nerve
racking occasion for my girlfriend Georgina's sister, Cecelia, who will be
performing in Eurosong with her group SHIMMA.
I've kind of grown up with Cecelia because I've been going out with Georgina
for the last five years and we've always hung around together.
Cecelia has watched me follow my dreams, first as a soccer player with
Leeds, which, unfortunately, didn't happen.. . and then on the world stage
with Westlife.
She was really supportive all along and so thrilled for me when it all
worked out with the group.
Before Westlife and after I returned from Leeds, I started doing karaoke
with my Da. We were called father & Son Karaoke and Georgina and Cecelia
used to come along. Even at that early stage, you could see that Cecelia had
a real love of singing and performing. She used to co-present the karaoke
with myself and my Da and the three of us used to sing.
It was through karaoke that she got used to perform-ing in public, just as I
did. The first time I went to see Boyzone it was with Georgina and Cecelia,
as their Dad got us tickets. We definitely got the bug for performing after
watching the Boyz in action that night. Their show was just amazing and we
came away with dreams of being up there one day doing what they did.
Talent
Apart from talent, one of the main things you need in this business is LUCK.
I got lucky with Westlife and I am working hard ever since because I do
appreciate the chance I've been given in life.
Today, I would love to see the same kind of good fortune happen for Cecelia.
Knowing how she genuinely loves the business as I do and how hard she is
prepared to work, all our prayers would be answered if Shimma made it
through to the Eurovision Song Contest.
I've met the other members of Shimma - Amy Creighton, Richard Collier and
Mark O'Brien - and, just like Cecelia, they are a really enthusiastic and
down-to-earth group of young people.
Their song, When You Are Near; has been written by Orla Keegan, one of the
members of the band, Who's Eddie. It's a great song and I really do believe
it's a Eurovision winner
If Shimma are given the honour of representing their country in the
Eurovision Song Contest, they will be the youngest entrants to do so since
Dana. She won the event with All Kinds Of Everything back in 1970 - about
ten years before any of Shimma were born!
I hope you like Shimma tonight and, if you do, that you'll vote for the
their song on the televote at 1520 715104.
IT'S brilliant that you have a column in the Sunday World. We think Westlife
are the best band in the world and our favourites are Mark and Shane. Our
favourite songs are Swear It Again, If I Let You Go and Fool Again. Your
number one fans.
Claire Gill and Martina Ward, Castlerea. Co Roscommon.
I CAN'T tell you how much my friend Grace Connolly and I love West-life. We
would do anything to meet you. We think Shane Filan is lovely and we fight
over who likes him the best every day.
Grainne Kent, Knocknarea, Sligo.
KlAN, my name is Stephanie Farrell and me and my friend Deirdre are totally
obsessed with Westlife. We absolutely adore you and just wish that we were
in Sligo when you were a kissagram. My room is covered in posters of
Westlife and I have your album, your singles and your poster books.
Stephanie Farrell, Athy, Co Kildare.
NICKY, I think it's great that you used to play for Cobh Ramblers. I wish
you good luck with the rest of your stardom.
Louise Murphy, Cobh, Co Cork.
I AM so thrilled that you have your own column in the Sunday World as I am
one of your biggest fans.
Clara Daly, Bailieboro, Co Cavan.
I THINK Kian is the sexiest member of the band and he's a brilliant singer
too. My bedroom is covered with Westlife posters and rye got seven video
tapes of you.
Sarah Henry, Skemes, Co Dublin.
