It was heartstopping and nerve-racking in the Helix last Sunday evening as the last ten contestants in the Voice of Ireland com-petition battled it out for the coveted six semi-finals spots.

It was particularly so for Charleville’s Keith Hanley as he was the last contes-tant to be nominated to go through.

Keith and the five others head back to the Helix next Sunday evening for the semi-final after which two of the six will be sent home, leaving just four remaining contestants vying for the Voice of Ireland title and a recording contract seven days later.

Keith is overwhelmed by the tremendous support he has received from all around north Cork and south Limerick in the past few weeks and the huge numbers that are texting and ringing to support his bid for fame.

The affable Charleville star, who is a student of Early Childhood Care and Special Needs in Mallow College of Further Edu-cation, works part time with St. Joseph’s Found-ation, Charleville in the respite facilities looking after children with special needs as well as doing voluntary work in music and dancing at the Holy Family School, Charle-ville.

Many family, friends and supporters are heading for the capital on Sunday as he tries to surmount the critical penultimate hurdle.

From now on, more than in previous weeks as the contest reaches its climax, it is the votes of the public that count, so when Kathryn Thomas gives the green light on Sunday evening for the voting to begin, get texting and ringing in support of the popular young man’s bid for stardom.

Castletownroche’s Shannon Murphy and Fermoy’s Kelly Mongan are also among the final six contestants.