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Stars of our Bars National Final Only a Few Days Away!

28-June-2010

VFI President, Gerry Mellett pictured with regional finalist, Shona Lanigan.

The Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (“VFI”) Stars of our Bars National Final, in association with Smithwick’s, is only a few days away and the tension is mounting.

Twelve acts will compete on Saturday, 3 July 2010 in the Hazel Hotel, Monasterevin, Co. Kildare where each finalist stands the chance to win €7,500 and of course the title of being crowned Stars of our Bars Winner 2010!

Each act will get two opportunities to perform on the night.

The National Final, which will be hosted by RTÉ’s Brian Ormond, will have a stellar line up of judges including TV Director David Donaghy, former Rose of Tralee winner Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin and TV3’s Sinead Desmond.

Gerry Mellett, the President of the VFI, commented:

“It is hard to believe that five months have passed since we commenced with the first of our heats in pubs up and down the breadth of the country. Back then we were frozen or flooded, depending on which part of the country you were in, but now we are all thankfully enjoying the fine weather.

“First of all I would like to extend my gratitude to Smithwick’s for sponsoring this event. To have a brand like Smithwick’s on board was hugely important and we thank them very much. We also wish Smithwick’s a very happy birthday in this their 300th year!

“To the publicans who have backed this competition to the hilt in only its first year, thank you. Without your professionalism and application this would not have been possible.

“Similarly a huge thank you to the regional coordinators and in particular to Ollie Hennessy, the national coordinator, a superb effort one and all.

“I would also like to thank the contestants who entered in their hundreds and who made it all possible. Finally to the twelve finalists, I wish them the very best of luck in the National Final.”

Ciaran Budds, on behalf of Smithwick’s commented, “Smithwick’s is delighted to be associated with the Stars of our Bars, a great initiative which brought excitement and entertainment to communities the length and breadth of this country. Hard to believe we are now down to the last 12! We wish all the finalists the very best of luck.”

The National Final which takes place on 3 July 2010 in the Hazel Hotel, Monasterevin, starts at 8.30pm.

Ticket numbers are limited but can be bought by contacting the VFI head office on 01 492 3400.

The twelve acts and the pubs they represent are as follows:-

• Rachel McCauley, Arena 7, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal
• Fergal Harmon, Dunnes Bar, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim
• The Antics, Havana Bar, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim
• Veronica Moran, Nallys Pub, Ballymahon, Co. Longford.
• The Nooks, PJ O'Hare's Anchor Bar, Carlingford, Co. Louth
• Louise Fahy, Jayz Bar, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan
• The Whisht, Corrigan's – The Corner House, Banagher, Co. Offaly
• Shona Lanigan, The Kilford Arms, Kilkenny
• Helena Bates, The Wicked Swan, Wexford
• Sarah Lovett & Conor Fahy, McGrath’s Pub, Pucane, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary
• Christin Keane, Imperial Bar, Limerick
• Edel Hogan, Jerry Flannery’s Bar, Limerick