Macs Factor 2011 - Reports

The Final 2011 - 9th September 2011

For anyone not at the Final of Macs Factor II on Friday night its hard to convey the experience shared by those fortunate to have been present. One simply had to be there to understand the fantastic night of craic that was had. Firstly the contestants were outstanding in their performances with each one delivering 100 percent. Secondly the audience was superb in their tremendous support and encouragement for all the acts on stage. Compere for the event Malachi Cush was faultless in the manner in which he conducted the contest putting the contestants at ease and adding that professional touch to the night's proceedings. Malachi's professionalism coupled with the assistance of DJs Bosco and Gilly who had worked tirelessly ensured the night ran smoothly. Finally the Judges who had the toughest job of the evening were Plunkett McGartland, Laragh Cullen and Karl McGuckin . These three added more spice to the evening with their witty remarks and words of encouragement for the contestants.

The night began with all eight acts singing one song each. The Judges then retired to decide the four who would sing for a second time. The deliberations were lengthy to say the least but given the talent which had just performed one could understand why it was so difficult to decide. Whilst awaiting the results the crowd partied to DJ Bosco's tunes and were entertained with the return of last years winner Helen Sweeney. Helen took to the stage to sing Journey's “Dont Stop Believin”. To a roar of applause she delivered a powerhouse performance leaving no one in doubt as to why she was the 2010 champion of what has become the most prestigious talent competition in Mid Ulster.

When the Judges returned with the eagerly awaited results the four acts were then announced and they were Dessie McKenna, Beth Donnelly, Ryan Kelly & Shane Corrigan and Mairead Donnelly. The audience was then treated to a different song from each act. First up was Beth Donnelly who sang “Not Ready To Make Nice” by the Dixie Chicks which went down a storm with the audience. Next up Dessie McKenna delivered an emotional rollercoaster of a performance with his army of devoted fans becoming his choir. Then it was the turn of the Dungannon duo Ryan and Shane. The lads who had massive support were absolutely amazing in their rendition of Human League's “Dont You Want Me” which whipped the crowd into a frenzy and had everyone on their feet dancing and singing along. Finally Mairead Donnelly wowed everyone with Shakespeare's Sister's “Stay”and left all present in awe of her amazing singing talent.

When the results were announced it came as no surprise that the winner was Mairead Donnelly. Her performances had been exceptional and had clearly captivated the crowd. By the cheers and applause it was obvious the audience agreed she was the deserved winner. Mairead is aged 22 from Cookstown and is a Speech and Language Therapist. She received the sum of £2000.00 prize money and was ecstatic to be crowned winner of Macs Factor 2011.
Another £1000.00 was split between the three runners up.

Conor McAleer speaking after the event said he wanted to thank all the contestants who had taken part in this year's competition. “It has been a thrilling competition and completely made by the entrants who took part over the duration of the contest. We're already planning an even bigger and better experience next year with Macs Factor 2012!”

Week 1 - Friday 18th February

RETURN OF THE MACS FACTOR @ MCALEERS BAR - Launch – Week One

Following on from the phenomenal success of last years MACS FACTOR @ McAleers Bar the much anticipated sequel was launched on Friday night past to a very excited full house!

Expectations were surpassed with the first heat setting the standard high. All 8 acts were very well supported in their quest to become this year's winner.

The 3 acts that progressed through to the next stage of the competition stood out on the night and all 3 will expect to go a long way in this years contest which has a fantastic £2000 prize fund!

First through was Omagh girl Shauna Marie O'Donnell who wowed the crowd with an upbeat number that had everyone up off their seats!

Next through was local girl Gemma Rafferty who rocked the place with a Dixie Chicks number to the appreciation of her many fans on the night!

Finally the last through to the next stage was Stacey Regan who belted Rihanna's hit Disturbia and all present will look forward to her performing again!

NEXT FRIDAY 25th FEBRUARY promises to be another cracking night of fun and entertainment with big crowds expected and an unrivalled atmosphere guaranteed!! 8 more acts will be singing for public support and a chance to progress through to the finals!!

Anyone still interested in taking part in MACS FACTOR II can do so by filling in the online application form.

Week 2 - Friday 25th February

Heat Two of the MACS FACTOR II took place on Friday 25th February in McAleers Bar with 8 more hopefuls taking to the stage each with a chance to win a place in the finals. The large crowd in attendance testament to the great reputation of the contest was treated to another cracking night of entertainment and the high standard set last week again was very much maintained as each singer gave it their all in a bid to win MACS FACTOR II with a prize fund of £2000.

First to go through was Melissa Kay singing Cascada's “What hurts the most”. Heavily supported Melissa and her army of fans were thrilled when her place in the finals was announced and all present will look forward to hearing her sing again.

Tara Donaghy wowed the crowd with her breathtaking rendition of Leona Lewis' “Run”. Again with supporters aplenty Tara was delighted to progress through to the next stage.

Finally Lauren Kelly's superb version of “Yellow” by Coldplay guaranteed her a place in the finals and all those attending to support Lauren were ecstatic on hearing her name declared as the last through!

THE MACS FACTOR II CONTINUES NEXT FRIDAY 4TH MARCH and if the first two heats are anything to go by everyone attending McAleers this Friday will be in for another great night packed with fun and entertainment!

Anyone still interested in taking part in MACS FACTOR II can do so by filling in the online application form.

Week 3 - Friday 4th March

The heat is well and truly on in the MACS FACTOR II as the latest round of the contest proved on Friday 4th March. Compère for the event was the renowned DJ Patsy V who whipped the huge crowd in attendance into a frenzy inviting their votes for their favourite act. Ably assisted by DJ of the year DJ Bosco and DJ Gilly the night was certainly one to remember as three more jubilant contestants progressed through to the final stages. With a prize fund of £2000.00 these MACS FACTOR hopefuls have their eye on the prize and they are:

Terry McNally of Moortown (only male singer to make it past the first stage to date) sang “When I see you smile” by Bad English. Terry's supporters ensured he was the one smiling when the results were declared and Terry announced as the first contestant through with a chance to become the Winner of Macs Factor II!

Next was Olivia McCrystal from Clonoe who gave a heart rendering performance of Adele's version of “To make you feel my love”. Olivia's abundance of fans cheered her on to the next stage and were ecstatic at the prospect of returning to hear her sing again in her bid to win the huge cash prize!

Last but by no means least the very impressive Claire Bleeks from Stewartstown was the final contestant to progress through to the finals with a fitting choice “Simply the Best!”. Claire left no one in doubt that she will give her best when she next appears in MACS FACTOR II!

THE CONTEST CONTINUES NEXT FRIDAY 11TH MARCH and is set to be another thrilling episode in the quest for the winner of Macs Factor II!

There are a couple of places still to be filled in the first round heats so it might not be too late for anyone interested in taking part in MACS FACTOR II. They can do so by filling in the online application form.

Week 4 - Friday 11th March

Friday night saw the fourth heat of the MACS FACTOR II take place @McAleers Bar. Hosted by the inimitable DJ Patsy V the capacity crowd was entertained royally as each act took to the stage. Assisted by DJs Bosco and Gilly the veteran host treated the audience to what has become his weekly rendition of Erasure's “Respect” to kick off the night's proceedings and put any nervous contestants at ease. Only three places were available to progress through to the next stage and they were very deservedly won by:

Paul Donnelly of Dungannon with a cracking Snow Patrol number. Well supported Paul can be proud of his performance and will certainly be a strong contender in the final stages.

Next through with a chance to win the huge cash prize was double act Ryan Kelly and Shane Corrigan also from Dungannon. Performing U2's “One” they had the audience in rapture and it was no surprise when their names were announced as finalists.

Finally Nadine Nichol from Aughnacloy wowed all in attendance when she sang the LeAnn Rimes classic “How Do I Live Without You”. Overjoyed to make it through to the finals everyone will look forward to hearing her sing again.

THE CONTEST CONTINUES NEXT FRIDAY 18TH MARCH and is set to be another thrilling episode in the quest for the winner of Macs Factor II!

Week 5 - Friday 18th March

It was another thrilling night at the MACS FACTOR II when the latest round of contestants performed on stage at McAleers Bar. Each had a chance to go through to the finals to compete for the title and the £2000.00 cash prizes and they did not disappoint the huge crowd who attended. All singers were well supported and the standard was high but with only three places available there had to be losers on the night. Congratulations to the three winners who were:

Conor Cochrane singing his version of “House of the Rising Sun”. Heavily supported Conor wooed the audience and ensured his place in the finals when he gave an impressive performance of this classic song.

Kirsty Gervin with an army of fans in tow gave an amazing performance of DJ Sammy's “Heaven” and ensured her fans would return again when she won a place going through to the finals.

Finally Maureen McKeown had the audience on their feet to disco hit - Gloria Gaynor's “I will survive” and survive she did when she won her place in the finals with her fantastic rendition of the seventies classic.

THE CONTEST CONTINUES NEXT FRIDAY 25th MARCH and is set to be another great episode in the journey to the final of Macs Factor II!

With only a few first round heats to go there are still a couple of places to be filled so its not too late for anyone interested in taking part in MACS FACTOR II. They can do so by filling in the

online application form.

Week 6 - Friday 25th March

The electrifying contest continues to captivate audiences with the sixth heat being held on Friday night at McAleers Bar. With a huge cash prize of £2000.00 the contestants and their fans flocked from all over to the Donaghmore Road establishment for another exciting night of entertainment. Host for the evening Patsy V made a grand entrance to rapturous applause and the proceedings were under way. The fans were not disappointed with the night that unfolded and this time there was a twist. It emerged that a person who had qualified in an earlier heat had sung professionally in a band and was therefore ineligible to compete in the Macs Factor II. As a result four contestants went through instead of three.

Julie Chambers of Cookstown singing Pink “Who Knew” whipped the crowd into a frenzy ensuring her place in the finals.

Rebecca Wilson also of Cookstown performed eighties hit “Black Velvet” to much appreciation from her adoring fans in attendance.

Maura McClure of Coalisland singing classic Proud Mary went down a storm with the voting audience.

And finally Caroline Bell of Ardboe rocked the house with another Tina Turner hit “Simply the Best” and was ecstatic to win a place in the finals as were her legion of supporters.

THE CONTEST CONTINUES NEXT FRIDAY 1st April and is set to be another thrilling episode in the journey to the final of Macs Factor II!

Week 7 - Friday 1st April

Another great night at McAleers Bar on Friday saw eight more hopefuls take to the stage with a chance to win MACS FACTOR II and a cash prize of £2000.00. DJ Patsy V assisted by DJs Bosco and Gilly hosted the event and the night proved one to remember with the standard of singing very high and competition fierce for the three places to go through to the next stage. Remarkably the three contestants who went through all sang songs by the same artist Adele clearly a favourite of the huge crowd in attendance.

Bronwyn McKay singing “Someone Like You” had the audience enthralled and guaranteed her passage to the next stage.

Naomi Stinson also singing “Someone Like You” was a finalist last year and by her perfomance on Friday looks to be a serious contender this year.

Finally Michaela Kennedy's rendition of “Rolling in the Deep” thrilled the crowd and she was delighted to win a place in the finals.

MACS FACTOR II continues next Friday 8th April and is set to be another exciting heat in the journey to the final! Macs Factor then takes a break and returns on 29th April.

Week 8 - Friday 8th April

A huge crowd attended McAleers Bar on Friday night to witness the latest round of Macs Factor II. Each contestant brought a legion of fans to the event hosted by DJ Patsy V. With a huge cash prize of £2000.00 at stake the competition was fierce but only three competitors could progress through to the next stage and the delighted three were:

Beth Donnelly from Omagh who sang Adele's “Someone like You”to a captive audience including her family and friends. With a remarkable voice Beth is sure to go far in the competition and everyone will look forward to hearing her sing again.

Lisa Ross from Dungannon gave an impressive rendition of another Adele hit “Rolling in the Deep”. It was no surprise when her name was announced and she was overjoyed with the result as were her supporters.

Finally Cathal Skeffington from Coalisland singing Garth Brooks “The River” was very well received by the masses and deservedly won a place in the finals.

MACS FACTOR II makes way for the the Miss Northern Ireland heat this Friday and Good Friday the following week and returns on Friday 29th April.

Week 9 - Friday 6th May

It was the return of Macs Factor II at McAleers on Friday night and the crowd in attendance were not disappointed with the night that unfolded. Due to popular demand the preliminary heats have been extended and the cash prize fund increased to a whopping £3000.00. With such a reward at stake the pressure was on the contestants to give it their all in their bid to win a place in the finals. Hosted by DJ Bosco the show proved unmissable with the line up of talent competing for one of the three winning places.

The three successful contestants were Melissa Gervin who sang the Leanne Rimes hit “How do I live” and her rendition well received by the crowd ensured her passage to the next stage.

Tony Gormley singing The Gambler also went through to rapturous applause and finally Aisling McCann wowed the audience with a dixie chicks number and was delighted to get through to the next stage.

MACS FACTOR II is back again this Friday 13th May with a twist in store for contestants and supporters alike!

Week 10 - Friday 13th May

Full house again to see the Macs Factor II at McAleers Bar on Friday night. The whopping cash prize fund of £3000.00 attracted many to the famous Donaghmore Road establishment where another eight battled it out for a place in the finals. DJ Patsy V hosted the event in his own inimitable style and assisted by DJs Bosco and Gilly guaranteed the crowd were entertained royally.

Though to next stage are:

Mairead Donnelly singing a cracking Faith Hill number. Mairead is from Coalisland and brought her supporters on Friday. All were delighted that she went through and Mairead will be a serious contender in the competition.

Anita Ross sang the Carpenters hit “Superstar” and showed she had star quality when she won a place in the finals. From Donaghmore Anita is the sister of the recently crowned Tyrone Rose Donna who was there to support her sister. Donna and all of Anita's fans were overjoyed at her winning a place and all will look forward to her singing again.

Finally Aaron Sweeney from Coalisland sang the Motown classic “My girl” to the tremendous applause from the crowd. Aaron was heavily supported with fans in abundance and was clearly well received by the rest of the crowd present.

MACS FACTOR II is back again this Friday 20th May!

Week 11 - Friday 20th May

The crowds thronged McAleers bar on Friday night again to see the next round of competitors in a sing off for three places in the finals. The huge prize money of £3000.00 attracted talent from near and far resulting in another great night of entertainment for McAleers patrons. The three contestants through to the next stage are:

Shauna Rafferty from Derrylaughan who sang a great rendition of Katrina & the Waves number “Walking on Sunshine” much to the appreciation of the crowd. With supporters galore her superb performance sealed her place in the finals.

Hailing from Eglish Stephen Daly wowed the audience with his version of Oasis' massive hit “Wonderwall”. Again with huge support Stephen deservedly went through on the night to the next stage.

Finally Dessie McKenna from Dungannon sang the huge rock classic “I Dont Wanna Miss A Thing” by Aerosmith. His rendition went down a storm with the crowd who won't want to miss his next performance in the contest.

MACS FACTOR II is back again this Friday 27th May!

Week 12 - Friday 27th May

Another great night at McAleers bar was in store for patrons when Heat Twelve of the popular Macs factor II was held on Friday 27th May. With an array of performers competing for only three spots to take them through to the next stage the crowd in attendance were entertained like kings and the three declared as the heat winners were:

Sinead Wylie who rocked the crowd with her version of Tina Turner's “Proud Mary”. Sinead had the crowd on their feet in rapturous applause and she was delighted when declared a finalist.

Conor McKillion who sang the country classic by Alan Jackson “Chattahoochee”. With many supporters in tow Conor guaranteed his passage through the competition with a highly entertaining performance.

Daniel McGurk who wooed the crowd with a rendition of Robbie Williams' melancholy classic “She's the One”. With a great performance and an army of fans Daniel was not disappointed when declared a heat winner and through to the next stage.

Week 13 - Friday 3rd June

Heat Thirteen was held on Friday 3rd June to a packed house and with £3000 prize money the competition saw contestants from near and far vying for a place in the finals.

First through was John Gillespie singing a Stereophonics hit that had the audience on their feet in appreciation and applause. John was ecstatic to get through and is sure to go far in the competition.

Barry Mulgrew hailing from Killeeshil with an army of fans to support him sang an unforgettable number which bamboozled the patrons and secured him a place in the finals. All will look forward to hearing him sing again.

Finally Alicia O'Neill sang the old classic “Uptown Girl” putting Billy Joel and Westlife to shame with her wonderful rendition of the popular song.

The competition continues next week with Heat Fourteen on Friday 10th June 2011.

Week 14 - Friday 10th June

The Macs factor continues to captivate and en-thrall audiences with another array of contestants giving their best shot at winning a place in the finals on Friday night past. Heat Fourteen produced three very different acts showing the versatility of the contestants in this years competition. The winning three were:

Gerard Wiggins age 25 from Armagh who treated the audience to a rat pack classic “My Way”. Giving a performance to remember Gerard went through to the next stage to the applause of a very appreciative audience.

The next act through was Dara and Lauren both age 19 in a duet version of Madonna's “Like a Prayer”. With huge support Dara and Lauren were delighted being the first girl/boy duet to get though and all will look forward to hearing their next performance.

Another duet Aoibheann and Stacey aged 18 and 19 from Coalisland sang a Dixie Chicks hit “There's your trouble”. Again with great support this female duo added spice to the mix getting through to the next stage.

The competition continues next week with Heat Fifteen on Friday 17th June 2011 and with a cash prize of £3000.00 and another great night in store big crowds are expected as usual.

Week 15 - Friday 17th June

Macs Factor II at McAleers Bar provided yet another fantastic night packed with fun and entertainment on Friday night past with another three acts going through to the final stages. Being the second last heat in the contest competition was fierce as the singers gave it their best shot in the race for the huge prize money of £3000.

First through was John Quigley all the way from Strabane singing Elvis' “Suspicious Minds”. The crowd loved this old favourite and with plenty supporters John went through to a roar of applause.

Next it was Fergal Mallon from Eglish singing a great rendition of Oasis number “Half the World Away”. Again with an army of fans Fergal did not disappoint in winning a place and he was delighted to be through to the next stage.

Finally local Dungannon girl Tracy Ross belted out the all time classic Elkie Brooks song “Pearl's a Singer” much to the delight of the audience. With supporters aplenty Tracy secured her place in the finals and all will look forward to hearing her sing again.

This stage of the competition draws to a close with the last heat being held next week with Heat Sixteen on Friday 24th June 2011. As usual big crowds are expected.