Dunshaughlin teacher's bid for Eurosong glory beckons

Dunshaughlin primary school teacher Maria McCool will be seeking to represent Ireland in the Eurovison Song Contest when she performs 'Mistaken' in the Song for Europe on the Late Late Show next week. The Donegal-born singer, who lives in Kilmessan, has been described by Frank McNamara as "an exceptional talent whose voice is mesmerising and alluring". The singer's captivating voice has been favourably compared to that of Enya and Dolores O'Riordan of The Cranberries. Maria's talent was nurtured at a young age by her local music teacher, Máire Bean Ní Bhraonáin, mother of the famous Brennan family of Clannad fame in Gweedore. A primary school teacher in Gaelscoil na Ríthe, Dunshaughlin, she was selected to sing 'Mistaken' by songwriter Edele Lynch, ex-lead vocalist with popstars B*Witched. Edele wrote most of the songs for the B*Witched debut album and has also written songs for Girls Aloud and The Sugababes. The 2012 Song for Europe is one of five to be performed live on The Late Late Show on 24th February, when the public will vote for Ireland's entry for the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest. "When I first heard Maria's haunting Celtic voice, I knew for definite that I had the right singer for the song - there would be no need for auditions!" Edele Lynch said. Maria said she was delighted to be asked by Edele to "sing this beautiful song for such a prestigious competition. I am really looking forward to this unique musical experience". In 1998, the singer's debut album 'Ailleog' was widely acclaimed and, in 2009, she released a 16-track album 'Doagh', both produced by Frank McNamara in his Park House Studios at Rathbeggan.