Clare Quinn raises the roof at Carnegie Hall

Easter Sunday was a massive day of celebration in many parts of the World to commemorate the 1916 Rising and will no doubt be a memorable day for many Irish people both home and abroad. But while all the Celebrations were taking place in Ireland, a 15-year-old Galway girl from Renmore – Clare Celine Quinn stole the hearts of an audience in New York in Carnegie Hall with a performance described by the organising committee as “stunning” and “astonishing”. Clare was awarded a First Place and Judge’s Distinction in the prestigious American Protégé International Music Talent Competition. As the winner, Clare was asked to perform “Parla Piu Piano” (The Love Theme from the Godfather ). Such was the impact and power of her performance, the audience all rose to applaud young Clare for several minutes before she left the stage to shouts of “bravo”. After the event, Clare said “it was such a thrill to perform in the wonderful iconic Musical Venue and something she will always treasure”