'Song for Simon' live final takes place tonight

The live final of the 'Song for Simon' national songwriting contest will be held in the Sheraton Hotel Athlone today at 8pm, where singer/songwriter Mickey Joe Harte will make an appearance. The contest is in aid of the Midlands Simon Community and ten finalists will perform on the night, with only one of the finalists being from the midlands area. The ten finalists are: Taylors Lane (AKA Jackie & Shane Hennessy) from Rathfarnham, Co. Dublin; Kenny Grant from Malahide, Co. Dublin; Tom Conroy (AKA Father Einstein), Clonaslee, Co. Laois; Ailbhe Dunne (of Mongoose) from Ballinteer, Dublin 16; Gerry McGerty from Butlersbridge, Co. Cavan; Karen O'Mahony from Glasnevin, Dublin 9; Andreja Volenec from Blackrock, Co. Dublin; Simon Gibson from Bolton Street, Dublin 1; Deane James (Connaghan) from Donegal town and Darragh Shannon from Douglas, Cork City. Speaking about the live final Tony O'Riordan, CEO of Midlands Simon Community said: "We are very excited about the 'Song for Simon' final, there is a wealth of musical talent performing and would like to extend a huge thank you to our sponsors, for making this contest possible. "We would also like to give a special thank you to Colin Fahy, whose expertise has been instrumental in bringing the song contest to fruition." The judging panel will consist of Fiona Killeen, Marketing and Event Production Grouse Lodge Studios; Keith Johnson, Director of Marketing and Membership IMRO; June Carley, Midlands 103FM and Tom Keady, Midlands Simon Community. Tickets are €10 and can be purchased from the Sheraton Hotel Athlone on 090 6451000.