One of the stars of the show on Britain’s Got Talent at the weekend was choir director Veronica McCarron, whose roots are set in Fermanagh.

The conductor of the hugely talented Presentation School Choir from Kilkenny wore eyecatching glasses - which captured the admiration of Simon Cowell - and which also have a link with the county, where they were acquired.

“I like your glasses by the way,” quipped head judge Simon during last Saturday night’s popular programme on ITV; in fact, he also told the choir director, who is Enniskillen born, but grew up in Glasgow, “you look cute.”

The all girl choir, conducted by Veronica, who lives close to Belleek, over the border on the Ballyshannon side, went on to give a rendition of Adiemus by Karl Jenkins, which received a standing ovation and a response of “yes” from each of the four judges.

“We know Simon loves choirs, and he loves Welsh choirs, so we are here to present an Irish choir,” explained Veronica, who introduced the choir, prior to the girls launching into song during the week three audition.

The performance, which saw the girls introduce some clever choreography, was a routine which received rapturous applause as well as favourable comments from not only the judges, but also from Ant and Dec, who loved it. “You rock,” Veronica was told by judge Amanda Holden.

The Presentation Choir has done a lot of competitions, all choral, and has enjoyed huge success in all major competitions including the Feis Ceoil. In relation to Britain’s Got Talent, Veronica said it’s the first time to take part in something so exciting. She believes it is “life changing for the girls” who will never ever take part in anything international like this ever again.

Veronica, who graduated in 1972 from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music in Glasgow, says it is “astonishing” - “it’s phenomenal.” She feels the girls have elevated to a different level of performance in this competition.

And it isn’t just Veronica who has a link with the county, but also the avid designer glasses wearer’s eyewear, which was supplied by McElholm Opticians.

Optician Claire McElholm is Veronica’s cousin and she was given the task of providing suitable eyewear for the occasion. And obviously Simon approved of the choice, such were his comments. Claire noted that Veronica wore a Christian Dior frame with burgundy acetate front and a pale pink leatherette side.

She mentions that Veronica has a wardrobe of designer glasses and is looking for something new and stunning for the next show. Perhaps a ‘Jimmy Choo’ or a ‘Fendi,’ discloses Claire, who will be happy to help her choose.

Veronica has taught music for 43 years all over the world including in Scotland, Australia, the USA, and Ireland. She has taught at the Presentation Secondary School, Kilkenny for almost 22 years. She has retired from the school but still goes back to direct the choir, which she always did.

Veronica was in fact born in the Erne Hospital but grew up in Glasgow. Her father Charlie McCarron and her mother Molly Woods were originally from Tedd, Irvinestown; he was a brother of Claire’s mother – the former Alice McCarron, who married Barney McElholm. 

Veronica still has many relatives in Fermanagh, including the McCarron, the McElholm, the Reihill and Woods families.