Published: Wednesday, 3rd February, 2010 5:00pm

Re-Seisiun are enjoying talent show experience

Local band Re-seisiun are enjoying their time in the spotlight as they prepare for the All-Ireland Talent Show semi-final

The talented band, which formed last year, won their heat earlier this eyar and will be back on our TV screens either on Sunday, February 28, or Sunday, March 7.

The group comprises of Liam and Keith Flynn from Garnafailagh, Patrick and Stephen Heffernan from Castledaly and Conor Irwin from The Elms. They were introduced through local music teacher James Donohoe, who is continuing to work with the lads towards the development of a unique and progressive style of music and song.

Speaking to the Westmeath Independent last week at the launch of this year's People of the Year Awards, where they entertained the crowd gathered, Re-seisiun's Liam Flynn said: "We're having a great experience and we're learning a lot."

On their first live TV appearance he added: "We were very nervous, but once we started playing it was ok."

Conor Irwin said they didn't really think too much about entering the competition, they just did it for fun.

The biggest venue the band had played before playing live on TV was the Irish Entertainment Awards at the Radisson, where they received an award for Best Upcoming Irish Band.

Writing and producing their own material is only one of the many talents of this amazing group. Between them they play acoustic guitar, bass guitar, electric guitar, piano, flute, low whistles, button accordion, banjo, bozukie and drums. In addition, they all sing and create fascinating vocal harmonies.

The band wants to stay together as long as possible and show everyone what they are capable of. They have thanked everyone locally who supported them so far and are urging the public to vote for them again when they are in the semi-final.

Conor is a full-time musician, Liam is studying Business and Religious Education in Tipperary, Stephen is studying in Moate Business College, while Keith is doing his Leaving Cert and Patrick is doing his Junior Cert.

And while it may seem difficult to most of us to juggle so much, the lads take it all in their stride, saying they practice at weekends and study during the week.

They have a number of gigs in the coming weeks with dates pencilled in for Seán's Bar on February 20, in the Bridge House, Tullamore, this Sunday and in NUI Galway on Saturday, February 13.

Boylesports are offering odds of 9/1 on Re-seisiun to win The All Ireland Talent Show, with Olwyn Murray this week's favourite to win the competition.

After gaining huge popularity over the past week the Mayo girl has managed to push past Na Fianna and Tara Burke McDonnell to become the 10/3 favourite to win the contest.

Classical performer Ben Escorcio from The South proved he has got talent after becoming the latest semi-final qualifier at the weekend which saw his odds slashed from 33/1 to 6/1. Next Sunday will see five more talented performers battle it out for a place in the semi finals, representing The North will be Chloe Coyle who has been installed at 9/1. Comedy duo, Ghetto Grannies will represent The South at 25/1 while Laura May Lenehan from The West is priced at 28/1

Ballet dancer, Sean Taffe from Dublin has his work cut out for him and is the outsider to win the competition at 50/1.