Sophie bids for Junior Eurovision

Sophie Whelan from Slanemore, Mullingar was one of seven acts competing in the Junior Eurovision Éire contest which aired on TG4 on Sunday.

Participants sang Irish covers of well known songs as they competed in the second heat.

Sophie, who is no stranger to the tv having performed as part of an ABBA group on the Late Late Toy Show last November, travelled to RTÉ studios in August where filming was taking place for the Junior Eurovision.

Sophie who attends Wilson's Hospital School is just 12-years-old and sang 'Speeding Cars' by Walking On Cars.

Judges included Gráinne Ó Braonáin and RTÉ 2FM presenter Chris Greene who were joined by guest judges Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan.

Unfortunately, Sophie was just one point off getting through to the next round.

"It was a brilliant experience," says dad Justin, who adds both he and Sophie's mum Liz are very proud of their daughter.

"We all travelled up for the day to RTÉ studios and she got to meet Paul Harrington and Eoghan McDermott who was presenting the show," he explains.

Her little brother Elliot, who is just 19-months-old, was also very proud of his older sister, pointing and smiling at the tv when the episode aired on TV last night.

"She's a big fan of Ariana Grande and she's looking forward to going to her concert in a couple of week's time," continues Justin, who says Sophie not only sings but plays guitar, and is interested in a career in music.

"She's involved in the stage school in Mullingar Arts Centre and she loves everything about it."

You can catch Sophie singing in the Junior Eurovision on the TG4 player, but we've no doubt will be seeing more of this talented young woman in the future!