Magilligan’s Máire shines in sparkling debut on The Late Late Toy Show

Excited Magilligan residents tuned in to watch one of their own make their debut performance on the much-loved RTE’s The Late Late Toy Show on Friday, December 5.

16-year-old Máire Deeney, from Magilligan, a Year 12 pupil from Loreto College Coleraine and previous pupil at St. Aidan’s Primary School, appeared on the famous Irish TV show, celebrating its 50^th anniversary.

The talented teenager performed as part of a musical group on the prestigious event, which highlighted her exceptional talent and ability.

Máire described the mixture of emotions she felt before the show began, nerves, anticipation, and the growing excitement backstage, as the moment of her first live performance approached:

“I was nervous but I was so excited as well and the atmosphere backstage was amazing. 

“It was a week I will always remember – everyone was so supportive, kind and wishing me all the best for the performance.

“I didn’t meet any celebrities personally but we did share the stage with CMAT when we were in the finale of the show and Patrick Kielty of course! 

“Such good craic and everyone cheering for everyone else when they were going out to perform and when they came back into the green room again. 

“It was so interesting to be able to see how the whole toy show is put together and the amount of work that goes into organising it. 

“We had a smaller group performing together so it was great to be able to get to know Zachery, Maya, Mona, Vita, Aoibheann and Michael.”

“I think my performance went well; it was a very emotional song and moment in the show and it was a privilege to be able to take part in such a beautiful and special piece.”

Máire Deeney’s mother, Christine expressed how proud and delighted the family were when they heard Máire had been selected for the beloved show:

“We were really over the moon for Máire. 

“We were delighted for her when she got through to the audition stage but just so pleased when we got the phone call to say she will have a small performance in such a fantastic and historic show. 

“It is really a dream come true for her as we watch the Late Late Toy Show every year.”

Máire is an enthusiastic music student who hopes to continue advancing in her musical education, with the possibility of a future career in show business.

She explained further: “I am sitting my GCSE exams in 2026 including Music and Drama and I would like to hopefully continue this into A Level. 

“Long term I would love to work in Musical Theatre, acting or singing. 

“I’m working on my Grade 7 Musical Theatre with the London School of Music with Niaomh Rodgers Stage Presence Productions, Ballymoney, continue to enjoy the Junior Drama group with Take To The Stage Drama School, Ballymoney and piano lessons with Armstrong Millar Music. 

“I would like to audition for some more theatre roles and hopefully be successful!”

The future looks bright for this talented teenager after her illustrious television debut!

To find out more about Máire’s music, check out her Social Media accounts on TikTok and instagram.com/maired_music.