A Co Armagh schoolgirl is hoping to go all the way as she competes to represent Ireland at her Junior Eurovision heat final on Sunday.
14-year-old Niamh Noade from Lislea is not only ready to let the world hear her voice, she preparing to serenade the judges with her abilities on the harp.
The only finalist to perform with an instrument, and the first in the competition history to perform with a harp, the teen "transforms" when she hits the stage.
Read more: Watch: Armagh schoolboy invited on stage with his musical hero Christy Moore
Niamh's mother Deirdre said her family are "so proud" of her musical achievements and hopes the local community can get behind her ahead of the final.
Speaking to Belfast Live about Niamh's impressive singing career so far, Deirdre said singing has always been a part of her daughter's life.
She said: "Her father is very musical and sang to Niamh every day when she was a child. At aged 7, she began to take singing lessons and joined Traditional Arts Partnership - South Armagh where she learned to sing in both the English and Irish language.
"She entered Fleadh and Scor competitions and brought home many trophies for solo singing and currently holds the Armagh County Scor Solo Singing Title for 2022."
Playing a number of instruments, it was singing that was always a stand out for Niamh growing up and after learning the harp, she soon released that both could complement eachother.
Deirdre continued: "Her first music idol was Cara Dillon and Niamh would learn and sing her songs. Niamh initially started harp lessons at Armagh Pipers Club and later commenced 1 to 1 lesson with Dearbhla Bennett in Mullaghbawn.
"She only started to sing and play the harp together over lockdown. Niamh's singing teacher Fiona Flynn is incredibly supportive of Niamh and helped her achieve her dream of being part of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest.
"She has been attending Flynn Performing Arts over the past 18 months and has been very successful in bringing home more trophies for various singing Feis and festival competitions - Fiona's support and dedication to her is amazing."
Last year, Niamh recorded an album in which all of the proceeds were donated to children's cancer charities - in the past 12 months, she has donated a total of £5,000. Niamh's family felt it was important that Niamh was able to put something back into the community and use her talent to do so.
"Usually a quiet child, Niamh transforms when she is singing and playing her harp," Deirdre added.
"She enjoys sharing her music with others and enjoys the emotional reaction people have when they hear her perform. Niamh has always worked so hard to ensure that she give her best performance and feels that she has gained so much in terms of confidence.
"Regardless of the outcome, Niamh has been very lucky to have drawn the attention of an Irish Artist Luan Parle. She sang Luan's song in her first heat and Luan was totally blown away by her performance, so much so that she posted about her on Facebook.
"Luan has since contacted Niamh and she is starting a songwriting course with her next month which is just amazing."
The teen is "honoured" to be able to stand up on stage with her Celtic Harp and show off Ireland's national emblem. Her mother is incredibly proud that she is setting an example to young people in Ireland that playing traditional music fits very well in with modern life and hopes her daughter will encourage other young people to consider taking up an instrument.
Deirdre said: "She is such a laid-back person and takes everything in her stride. Niamh's younger brother and sister are very proud of Niamh. All of our family and friends are fully behind her and are looking forward to seeing her shine in the final.
"My only hope for Niamh is for her to be happy in life and if her love of singing and playing the harp brings her happiness, then as a family, we will continue to support her and provide any opportunities for her to develop musically."
Niamh will perform at the final on TG4 at 8pm. You can vote for who should represent Ireland at Junior Eurovision here.
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