TALENT was in abundance as a variety of local musicians performed as part of the second Blakes of the Hollow virtual Open Mic night, hosted by musical duo Niamh Carney and Philana Nolan, known as Laytha.

The virtual event, which took place on Boxing Day and was livestreamed via Blakes of the Hollow’s YouTube channel, has so far raised more than £500 for Help Musicians NI – a charity that provides support for musicians across Northern Ireland.

The extensive list of performers included Sean Magee, Felina and Roisin Burns, Emily Tracey, Nadia Stenson and Jonathan Beatty, Chris Maguire, Sarah Phillips, the Hughes family (Sarah, Conor, Amy and Laura).

It also included Darragh Greene, Gráinne Kennedy, Eavan Gribbin, Jason Howe, Tommy O’Neill, Zoe Power, Rory Blake, Shauna McMorrow and Eugene Dolan.

Other names included Maurice Collins and Kate Crane, Conor Phillips, Brenda Hicks, Aoife and Eimear Cathcart, Pat Quinn, Blackwater Conspiracy, Gaby McArdle, and Karl Ledwith.

Laytha opened and closed the night with a few tunes.

Niamh and Philana said: “We want to thank all of the wonderfully talented people who took part in our second Blake’s virtual Open Mic,

“Fermanagh is bursting with incredible artists and we are so happy to have been able to showcase that and to be a part of this lovely music community.”

They continued: “With the lack of Government support for musicians this year, any platforms that can be created are so important, so we are delighted to be more than halfway to our target of raising funds for Help Musicians NI.

“The link to donate is still live, so if you want to show your support, please do! The link is in the description of our YouTube video, and on our Laytha Music Facebook page.

“This is the last Blake’s virtual Open Mic Night that we will do, so please go watch if you hadn’t already.”