Nominees

Patrick Feeney, the young singing sensation, originally from Battlefield Culfadda, Ballymote, Co. Sligo was sure he was going to be the farmer of the house. But as Patrick was growing up he was learning to play the drums and keyboards and it was obvious he had an interest in music, just like his father who was also a musician!

By the age of 14 Patrick and his father had a two piece band and were playing at local gigs. Patrick's life soon changed when he began to study sales and marketing in Sligo. He then went to work for Cadburys. However, Patrick had caught the music bug, and because his job kept him from performing, he decided to leave Cadbury's and concentrate full time on his music.

He soon he met with manager, Kevin Mc Cooey who thought Patrick had a unique voice, and signed him up to front the Johnny Loughrey Band, with whom he released a number of singles. Afterwards, Patrick formed his own band and went professional in the music business at the tender age of 19.

After recording and gigging the country music dance scene on a full time basis for a number of years, Patrick decided that he would like to expand his musical horizons, in the form of the 'Irish Connection' tour. This show, which has truly taken off during 2008, clearly demonstrates Patrick's love of traditional Irish ballads, and his talent for dance - he even includes the age-old, nearly lost art of Irish brush dancing!

Patrick has recorded 5 CDs to date, with Sharpe Music Ireland, all of which portray his unique voice. His newest album, "Gentle On My Mind" combines dancehall favourites with a selection of beautiful ballads.