Headford music student could become Face of Ireland

By SIOBHÃÂN HOLLIMAN A HEADFORD music student is among the finalists in a nationwide search for The Face of Ireland. Roisin Donnellan, aged 22, is currently studying violin performance in DIT Conservatory of Music. She was selected as a wildcard for the competition, which is an ambassadorial search in association with Europcar. Roisin, a fluent Irish speaker, says she decided to enter the competition to promote the Irish language, Irish music and the arts. The former pupil of Presentation College, Headford will perform her own composition in the final on October 13, which she describes as 'a fusion of jazz, rock and traditional'. Roisin entered the competition and was delighted when she was chosen as a wildcard entry to represent Co Galway. 'I've received great support from local businesses and iRadio is my main sponsor,' she said. All of Roisin's family are involved in music and the arts, and her mother Colette O'Shaughnessy is a member of the Headford Drama Group and Taibhdhearc na Gaillimhe.[private] Roisin herself was a member of the National Youth Orchestra for three years and she also attended Coláiste Spleodar for ten years and has a Dioplóma sna Dana (Cóiriú agus Stáitsiú an Cheoil Thraidisiúnta). One of her musical highlights to date was playing for US Joint Chief of Staff General Martin E Dempsey while he was in Ireland this year. Roisin has performed at previous army functions along with her brother Fionntan and sister Caitriona, who is an Irish army captain. 'We weren't told who the mystery guest was until the last minute for security reasons,' she explained. Roisin admits that once they realised the importance of the guest, they were nervous, but added that it was an amazing experience. 'We each received a Medal of Appreciation along with a standing ovation,' said Roisin, who is hoping to have a career in music. Should Roisin succeed in winning the competition, part of the prize involves representing Ireland at the St Patrick's Day Parade in New York and officially launching the parade. The winner, who will be an ambassador for Ireland for the year, will also take away different holidays, beauty hampers, clothes, jewellery and a professional photo shoot. The Face of Ireland competition has been running for the past five years and attracted 32,000 applications over the past year. It has also supported a number of charities and this year will raise funds for GRASP, (Greater Responsibility and Awareness in Suicide Prevention). Roisin is looking forward to the final in Dublin next month. 'Music and acting have given me great opportunities to travel and I think it is very important for me to promote them as much as I can,' remarked Roisin.[/private]