Despite strong performances Matt Dodd and Paul Ryder exit stage
By Mary Dennehy
Eight acts took to the stage of the first Ireland’s Got Talent live semi-final tonight, with Tallaght’s Paul Ryder making it to the top three before being sent home by judges.
Despite impressive performances from local acts Paul Ryder and Matt Dodd, both performers exited the show - but with some very positive feedback from judges.
Paul Ryder
Tallaght's Paul Ryder won over the public and made it into the top three with FKFT dance troupe and singer Linda McLoughlin.
FKFT received the highest number of public votes and went straight through to the final.
However, Paul Ryder and Linda went up before judges for the second place - with Linda winning their vote.
Speaking after Paul’s performance, judge Louis Walsh said that the Tallaght performer was an “inspiration to so many people".
He added that Paul has “something amazing” in his heart and always gives 100 per cent while Denise Van Outen said he “smashed [his performance] from start to finish”.
Thanking judges, Paul said: “This means absolutely everything.
“Best experience of my life and hopefully it doesn’t end tonight.”
Mini-bus driver Matt Dodd, who works in a day care centre for older people, blew judges away with his first performance.
Matt Dodd
Despite another strong performance tonight it was not to be for the 68-year-old grandad from Palmerstown – who sings in Ballyfermot.
On tonight’s show, Louis Walsh told Matt that he loves his voice and that he is the “best singer in Ireland since Red Hurley”.
The judge also complimented Matt’s “control” and “passion” and that he deserved to be in the final.
However, following the public’s vote Matt’s journey on Ireland’s Got Talent ended tonight.
Judges do have a wild card option, so it may not be the last we see of either act.
The next live semi-final this Wednesday will see Double Impact (Tallaght) take to the stage while on Thursday, Evelyn Williams (Tallaght), Xquisite Dance (Tallaght), Philip Murphy (Tallaght) and Affia Ni Fhaolain (Rathcoole) will all perform for a spot in the final.
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