BY SEÁN P. FEENY

A WEST DONEGAL act last night made it into Dana's final eight to represent the North in RTÉ's All Ireland Talent Show.

Cloughaneely Marching Band were chosen one of eight acts from the North to bid for All Irelant Talent glory and ¤50,000 and follow in the footsteps of last year's winner, The West's Mulkerrin Brothers.

Popular BBC Radio presenter Joe Lindsay, who once again joined Dana as a guest judge alongside Majella O'Donnell, said the North has a very strong representation this year.

"It was great to be back working with Dana and Majella, but choosing eight acts to represent the North is a great responsibility and was certainly not an easy task.

"It's very hard to turn people down and it can be heart-breaking at times but we are very happy with the final eight and the North is in with a real shot this year."

Joe said he had some reservations about putting through Cloughaneely Marching Band, but head judge Dana made a 'very passionate' plea.

"I wasn't sure how a big band like this would transfer onto the big screen, but Dana said bands like these are dying out and were a great representation of community spirit and bringing people together through music. We've no doubt they'll do us proud," said Joe.

"Of course we all have our own tastes, but I was a little disappointed that there weren't more bands amongst the hundreds of auditionees. This is a fantastic opportunity for national exposure and let's not forget that ¤50,000 will go a very long way."

Joe said the key to success in the All Ireland Talent Show is having an eclectic mix in your final eight. "Obviously dance acts are very big these days, but we have some great vocalists and music acts in our final eight, we're in with a real chance this year."

Watch the All Ireland Talent Show Sunday nights at 6.30pm on RTÉ One.