Two Donegal boys will showcase their talents on RTE’s Late Late Toy Show this Friday!
Dallán Woods from Buncrana and Charles Gallagher from Castlefinn were both handpicked for Ireland’s biggest show of the year.
Dallán, aged 11 is a talented bodhrán player, while Charles, aged six and a half, is a natural at speech and drama!
“It’s brilliant to have the representation from Donegal and it gives everybody something to be looking forward to in the middle of all the excitement of the show,” said Liz Doherty, Dallán’s mum.
Dallán, who practices at his parents’ music school, Scoil Trad Bhun Cranncha, also plays the whistle and piano and has a role in the upcoming Irish film, ‘Trad’.
Dallan Woods
When he applied for the Toy Show in September, he was shortlisted from over 6,000 audition tapes and called for a second audition in Dublin. Time passed and he didn’t get his hopes up, but one day, after a disappointing football match, Dallán got the exciting news that he was chosen.
“He was over the moon,” said Liz.
“It’s brilliant for Dallán and all the other kids he plays music with as well, to know that it’s all possible.
“It’s lovely when hard work does pay off and it encourages everybody to keep going, and any opportunities that come along, go for it, and sometimes it will work out, and when it does, it’s brilliant!”
Young Charles Gallagher, whose mum Orla hails from Burnfoot, is a stand-out student at the Zara Holmes Performing Arts Academy.
Charles Gallagher at RTE Studios
The St. Mary’s NS pupil has been doing speech and drama for two years and was the highest achiever of the whole academy in his grade this year.
Zara describes Charles as a witty, creative and articulate boy who’ll go far. She said: “My motto is that everybody is equal and should encourage each other to do things, I think Charles is showing that when you reach for the stars everything is achievable with a little bit of work. It shows not to give up, because I’m sure there are a lot of children around Ireland who are disappointed they didn’t get chosen, but hopefully Charles inspires other children in Donegal to apply next year as well.
“We wish him all the best on Friday night, I’m sure the whole of Donegal will be tuned in.”
This year’s show is sure to be one to remember, with Patrick Kielty presenting his first edition of the iconic show and with Dallán and Charles adding their own special touch.
Tune in to RTE’s Late Late Toy Show and cheer on the local talent this Friday. The show kicks off at 9:35pm Irish time on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.