Lurgan woman Niamh Murray clinches Boost’s Busker Corner Stage title after quitting Iceland for full-time music career

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A talented Lurgan singer is to live out her dream of recording a demo of her original songs in a professional studio after winning Boost’s Busker Corner Stage competition.

Niamh Murray (24), beat almost 50 other entrants to clinch the title and the top prize which also includes airtime on a national radio station.

The opportunity is a dream come true for Niamh, who left her job working in Iceland to pursue her passion for music.

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Niamh said: “When I was at school, I was sure that I wanted to be a professional footballer. I was on the NI Football Career Development Team from 14 to 16.

Boost's Busker Corner winner, Niamh Murray. Picture: Dillon OsborneBoost's Busker Corner winner, Niamh Murray. Picture: Dillon Osborne
Boost's Busker Corner winner, Niamh Murray. Picture: Dillon Osborne

"Music, however, was never far from my mind; in fact, I couldn’t go a day without picking up a guitar or belting out a tune.”

In time, it became clear that Niamh was to follow her heart into the world of music.

"From the age of two, I was always singing, but I didn’t believe that I’d be able to make a career out of it. It seemed more of a dream rather than something I could achieve.

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"During Covid, I started posting some of my videos online. My videos were shared around Lurgan and as a result of the exposure, I started to get some paid gigs in local clubs and bars.

Niamh Murray (centre) and her two sisters, Eimear Murray and Cliodhna Murray.Niamh Murray (centre) and her two sisters, Eimear Murray and Cliodhna Murray.
Niamh Murray (centre) and her two sisters, Eimear Murray and Cliodhna Murray.

"It was then that I realised I could do music full time and so I left my job working in Iceland to pursue my passion for music. I went from stacking shelves to singing my heart out doing what I love the most.”, said Niamh.

Niamh’s family, mum and dad, Rosie and Tony, her sisters Eimear and Cliodhna (28), brother Fionn (19), and her much loved Granny, Shelagh (82), are her biggest supporters.

"People think it’s a hobby, but I literally eat, sleep and breathe music. I wouldn’t be where I am now, if the people of Lurgan, and then across Northern Ireland, didn’t watch, share and interact with my videos. So I would like to urge everyone to get behind local musicians. Local talent can be overlooked. Share their songs, listen to them and go watch people play live, trust me, we appreciate it,” she said.

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Niamh’s latest success came when Boost began a search during the summer, looking for musical talent from across Northern Ireland, as part of its, There’s a Boost for That campaign.

Niamh, who cites Joni Mitchell and Prince as her musical inspiration, continued: “I never expected to win but I’m so thankful to Boost who have helped me realise a long-held dream of making a demo in a professional studio where I had so many instruments available to me. It’s been a whirlwind since winning the title and I am so energised and even more passionate about succeeding in my music career than ever before.”

Boost brand manager Amy Ankrah added: “Our incredible winner, Niamh Murray, stole our hearts with her fantastic voice and we are delighted that she now gets to live out a dream of recording a demo of her original songs in a professional studio.

"We know that she’s destined for greater things and we’re thankful to play a small part in what we believe will be a glittering career.”

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