Niall comes home for flying 24 hour visit

Niall Horan of the X Factor boy band “One Direction” snuck back into Ireland this week, for a 24 hour flying visit - and during his time in town, called to see his pals at his old school Coláiste Mhuire - but he’s not likely to be back joining them any time soon.“If all goes well, I won’t be back but I am plannning to do the Leaving Cert at some stage,” he told the Westmeath Examiner, as he met with relatives in the Greville Arms Hotel.Niall admitted he’s loving the whole excitement and buzz of the X Factor experience, where he and his pals “One Direction” are tipped as hot favourites for the top spot.“It’s brilliant,” he said, describing Simon Cole as “a genius”, and saying of Cheryl Cole that One Direction enjoy having a bit of a laugh with her.“We enjoy the bit of banter,” he said.Home alone on this occasion, although Harry Styles came with him on a previous visit, Niall revealed that apart from the friends he has in One Direction, the contestants with whom he is most friendly are Matt Cardle and Aiden Grimshaw.A lot of media attention has gone on Kate Waissel and Cher Lloyd, and Niall revealed that the two girls are lovely, and are best pals.On Monday night, Niall was at a huge UK awards ceremony and he admitted that it was a thrill to mix with so many famous people.He was thrilled, he revealed, to meet one of his heroes - the legendary singer, Michael Bublé.A lifetime Derby County football fan, Niall said he has been getting a lot of support from that area, and that One Direction may one day play there.Among those who were with Niall on his flying visit to Mullingar, were his brother Greg, who spoke recently to the Westmeath Examiner of his pride in his younger brother; and his mother, Maura Gallagher, who is clearly proud as can be of her son’s achievements in making it so far into the tough but thrilling X-Factor.Niall’s plans were to return to the UK early this morning, Wednesday, where rehearsals for this weekend’s live show will again be underway.It was clear that Niall was delighted to be home in Mullingar for a visit - and among those waiting to see him at the Greville Arms Hotel was his grandmother, Eileen Nolan, from Derrygreenagh in Rochfortbridge whom he greeted with a great big bear hug.This week, Niall’s father, Bobby also spoke to the Westmeath Examiner of how proud he is of his son.