Dylan Murray is a magician from Burtonport. The reigning winner of Derry’s Got Talent, Dylan has been flat out doing gigs over the summer holidays.
This young Donegal Dynamo is set for big things as his videos get tens of thousands of views! His most popular trick, ‘Elvis has left the building’, has over 40,000 views on Facebook!
We’re positive there are many huge things to come for this illusionist extraordinaire!
This is Dylan’s Donegal…
(1) What is your favourite place in Donegal and why?
My favourite place in Donegal would have to be Arranmore Island. My grandad, the late Pádraig Murray was from the island so it’s a place very dear to my heart.
(2) If you could change one thing about Donegal what would it be?
I wouldn’t change a thing.
(3) Who is the one person in Donegal that you look up to and why?
That would be my uncle Josie Murray. He is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Champion who won eight gold medals, four silver, and one bronze! And also is an eight time All Ireland Rock and Roll Dancing Champion.
(4) Daniel O’Donnell or Packie Bonner?
Daniel O’Donnell! But they are both great ambassadors for our county.
(5) What has been Donegal’s proudest moment in recent years?
Our proudest moment would have to be winning the Sam MaGuire back in 2012 with Jim McGuinness’ team.
(6) What was Donegal’s saddest moment?
The saddest moment in my opinion would have to be the Arranmore Boat Disaster back in 1935 where nineteen people lost their lives – seven of those were relations of my family. There was one survivor.
(7) What is your favourite Donegal-made product?
Doherty’s meats
(8) Who is Donegal’s greatest ambassador around the world and why?
Jim McGuinness is the greatest ambassador in my opinion. He encourages and motivates people to believe in themselves and be the best they can be!
(9) Who is Donegal’s most successful businessperson in your opinion?
It would have to be the late Jim White who was an excellent business man and owner of several hotels, including The Abbey Hotel.
(10) Who is your favourite Donegal sportsperson of all time?
Anthony Molloy who was captain of the 1992 winning Donegal side who won the Sam MaGuire.
(11) What is your favourite Donegal restaurant?
My favourite restaurant is the Silver Tassie, Letterkenny.
(12) Donegal’s golden eagles or basking sharks?
Golden eagles
(13) What is your favourite Donegal saying or expression?
What’s the craic?
(14) Will Donegal win the All Ireland next year?
No
(15) What is your favourite Donegal food?
Donegal ham
(16) Is there anything that really annoys you about Donegal or its people?
The only thing would be the weather.
(17) What’s your favourite part of magic?
My favourite part of magic is creating the sense of mystery and wonder in people’s minds! “People believe that the greatest trick a magician can do is to convince the world that the impossible is real, but when the magic is real yet seems impossible – that’s the greatest trick of all”.
(18) Who is your favourite magician and why?
There are loads of magicians and entertainers that I look up to. The likes of Dynamo, David Blaine, and Harry Houdini. My favourite of all time has to be David Copperfield! He has created some of the world’s greatest illusions and effects. I believe he is one of the greatest of all time.
(19) Is there anything in particular that inspired you to refine your skills as a magician?
My love for magic started at a very young age. I was fascinated with the art of misdirection and mystery! So, I started teaching myself how to perform these effects! And since then I’m completely self taught. “It all started with a deck of cards and a dream”. Since that, I have won Northern Ireland’s biggest talent competition, Derry’s Got Talent, in Granny Annie’s, and it’s been amazing!
(20) Is there anything about Donegal that you are very proud of?
I’m very proud to be from Donegal. It has the most beautiful scenery and beaches you could find. Donegal, without doubt,is the best county, and the most beautiful county in Ireland.
To keep up with Dylan and to see his many other amazing magic tricks you can find him on Facebook.
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