BY SEÁN P. FEENY

POPULAR TV presenter and Cloughaneely native Ann Marie Ní Dhubchóin is calling on the Donegal public to support her old band in RTÉ's All Ireland Talent Show.

Last weekend The Cloughaneely Band made to the live finals of the talent programme as one of Judge Dana's eight acts to represent the North in the competition.

Ann Marie, who is well-known to TG4 viewers as the presenter of shows like An Tuath Nua and Thar Saile, was a very active member of the Cloughaneely Band in the past.

"I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Cloughaneely Band. I played the accordion for the most part as I have always loved music, like most in our family.

"All my other four sisters were also in the band, we joined aged 10 or 11, or maybe even younger, and stayed till we were 16 and 17.

"Being in Bhuíon Cheoil Chloich CheannFhaola (BCC) was a great experience. We travelled around Ireland taking part in competitions and it gives you good confidence as a young person."

Ann Marie said she was delighted to see Cloughaneely Band make it through to the next round of the talent programme and wishes them every success.

"These young kids get together and practice every week so they can go out and represent the parish, it's a great ideology to instil in young people.

"I think the band has as good a chance, as the other chosen seven. We have won All Irelands many times so this challenge should prove no different.

"I know people are asking whether the 'marching band idea' will translate onto a stage, however I remember us playing, sitting down orchestra-style in the Guildhall in Derry.

:We swept the boards and would often get the best overall band for our musical performance.

"What the band need to do now is draw on their strengths and play to them. Ádh Mór ar Bhuíon Cheoil Chloich CheannFhaola, I will be rooting for them," said Ann Marie.

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