Kildare Nationalist - "Milltown’s Wizard of Oz "
Dec 4, 2006 14:40:44 GMT 10
Post by dededom on Dec 4, 2006 14:40:44 GMT 10
Milltown’s Wizard of Oz
By: Lisa-Anne Crookes
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Kildare Nationalist
LOCAL man Damien Leith put his small village of Milltown on the world map at the weekend when he took the top spot in the Australian Idolcompetition.
Supported by family and friends from Kildare, Damien beat off stiff competition from Auzzie native Jessica Mauboy.
The 30-year-old pharmacist is originally from Milltown but now lives in Sydney with his wife and child. He was crowned winner of Australian Idol at the Sydney Opera House at the weekend in a programme watched by millions.
He competed against teenager Jessica Mauboy in the final of the singing contest and later managed to secure enough public votes to win the show. Damien won a prestigious recording contract with Sony BMG as part of his prize and has already released his first single, Night Of My Life.
Damien has received hundreds of good wishes from family, friends and neighbours in Kildare since he first appeared on the prime-time talent show on Australia’s Channel 10.
His local pub, The Milltown Inn, has been the scene of much of the Irish celebrations. His parents Angela and Paul made the trip across the world to be with their son for the final show.
Speaking to the Kildare Nationalist Mayor of Newbridge, Murty Aspell said Damien was a positive ambassador for Kildare men and women across the world.
“It sends out a signal I believe, to never give up on your dreams.
“I am absolutely delighted for the family. To think that 25,000 people auditioned for it and the winner is a man from Milltown, it’s tremendous,” he added.
Local celebrations are set to continue when Damien’s parents and friends return home from Australia in the coming week.
www.kildare-nationalist.ie/news/story.asp?j=24406&cat=news
By: Lisa-Anne Crookes
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Kildare Nationalist
LOCAL man Damien Leith put his small village of Milltown on the world map at the weekend when he took the top spot in the Australian Idolcompetition.
Supported by family and friends from Kildare, Damien beat off stiff competition from Auzzie native Jessica Mauboy.
The 30-year-old pharmacist is originally from Milltown but now lives in Sydney with his wife and child. He was crowned winner of Australian Idol at the Sydney Opera House at the weekend in a programme watched by millions.
He competed against teenager Jessica Mauboy in the final of the singing contest and later managed to secure enough public votes to win the show. Damien won a prestigious recording contract with Sony BMG as part of his prize and has already released his first single, Night Of My Life.
Damien has received hundreds of good wishes from family, friends and neighbours in Kildare since he first appeared on the prime-time talent show on Australia’s Channel 10.
His local pub, The Milltown Inn, has been the scene of much of the Irish celebrations. His parents Angela and Paul made the trip across the world to be with their son for the final show.
Speaking to the Kildare Nationalist Mayor of Newbridge, Murty Aspell said Damien was a positive ambassador for Kildare men and women across the world.
“It sends out a signal I believe, to never give up on your dreams.
“I am absolutely delighted for the family. To think that 25,000 people auditioned for it and the winner is a man from Milltown, it’s tremendous,” he added.
Local celebrations are set to continue when Damien’s parents and friends return home from Australia in the coming week.
www.kildare-nationalist.ie/news/story.asp?j=24406&cat=news
