Declan through to Ireland's Got Talent live shows

Mullingar’s Declan Colgan, a 20-year-old social care worker, has made it through to the live semi-finals of Ireland’s Got Talent.

Performing the INXS song ‘Never Tear Us Apart’ on piano, Declan who was accompanied by his parents for the initial judged performance, got the thumbs up on Saturday night’s show.

Declan told the audience at home how he loved his job working with people of all ages who have intellectual disabilities, whether it’s simply making them breakfast or accompanying them on a walk. But music therapy was his favourite medicine.

Denise Van Outen called him “a natural”.

“Your piano playing, the way you assault the song, your vocals were great, a really polished performance”, she said.

 Michelle Visage said Michael Hutchins was a superstar who had something that you couldn’t explain, “and I think you have a special something too Declan that you can’t explain”.

Jason Byrne labelled him a “lovely human of a man”, complimenting his “beautiful” piano playing and his voice, while Louis Walsh had high praise for the Mullingar lad.

“Everything just worked, and it was just natural, there was nothing forced...

“I think this is the start of a great career in music, you tick all the boxes, and you’ve got the talent and the attitude.”

Mullingar Town Band – the Celtic Crusaders – also tried out for Ireland’s Got Talent, and while they received very positive feedback from the judging panel and enjoyed the experience, unfortunately they didn’t make it through to the next round.