VOTE FOR AINE!

The 15 year-old, picked by superstar Dana to represent Northern Ireland on RTE 1's All Ireland Talent Show, will sing on Sunday as the live televised rounds take off. Speaking to the Sentinel the sweet soul singer, who missed her school formal to audition for the popular TV show, said she hopes to gain the support of local people.

"I'm really excited. I can't wait to get down to Dublin and start rehearsing. This will be my first time singing on the live shows and I don't feel nervous yet, just looking forward to it. Everyone around Ballykelly and Limavady has been so supportive, including my school who are running a bus down to Dublin on Sunday. My family have also been amazing."

Aine's dad Dominic, who runs Tommy's Chippy in Ballykelly, and mum Gina have rallied around the borough with posters to gear up votes for their talented daughter. The St Mary's High School student was hand picked by Eurovision star Dana after wooing her with her immense voice at the North's auditions in October.

Aine added: "I'm looking forward to working with Dana and representing Northern Ireland. She is lovely and I hope that she can hold onto her title from last year. If people want to vote for me and pick up the phone I am grateful for that."

Aine won over the hearts of UTV viewers back in 2004 when at just nine she beat off hundreds of other singer's to be crowned Gerry Kelly's Christmas Star. Aine released a CD and performed a number of concerts. Speaking to the Sentinel dad Dominic encouraged everyone in the local community to get behind Aine.

"The response from the local community here has been fantastic. People have been stopping me on the street and coming into the chippy to offer their support for Aine. We need the votes to help Aine progress in the competition and make sure Dana holds onto the winners title this year. I hope everyone tunes in this Sunday on RTE1 to get their vote in and rally behind. We have posters up around Ballykelly and Limavady to remind people to vote, and if anyone would like a poster to show their support they can call into the chippy and get one."

Local MLA John Dallat also offered his support to the Ballykelly star.

He said: "The Hassan's are used winning top awards for their famous fish and chips but on this occasion it's the music in the family that's the judges are interested in and I am appealing to everyone to make a point of tuning in to 'The All Ireland Talent Show' and give this young girl the support she richly deserves and needs to carry her through to the finals of this popular show."

Aine will appear this Sunday on The All Ireland Talent Show live, RTE 1, 6.30 p.m. – 7.30 p.m.