The Rex Factor dog singing contest that's sure to be a howl

Rodney Edwards • Published 22 Jul 2010 16:00 0 Comments

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The Rex Factor, Ireland's first all singing dog show will take place tonight (Thursday) in Irvinestown.

Up to 30 dogs are expected to take part in the unique event in Mahon's Hotel as part of the Lady of the Lake Festival.

At rehearsals earlier this week, Joe Mahon's dog Shep proved to be a clear favourite with his version of 'Doggy in the Window'.

His proud owner was full of praise for Shep, who celebrated his birthday on the Twelfth of July last week.

"Shep is a cert. He's been singing at charity concerts for the last year. He's a bigger celebrity than me now. I walk him every day in Castle Archdale and everybody says there's Shep. They don't say, there's Joe. He's been singing at more and more gigs around Fermanagh lately. I'll have to get him an agent," laughed the hotel boss.

"He was ten years old last week on the 12th of July so I wrote a song for him. It goes: he was old, he was beautiful, the colour he was brown. He sang in Belfast, Londonderry, Enniskillen and Irvinestown. He wore his collar to the twelfth as his father did before because Shep's the boy who loves the collar his father wore."

Also performing at the Rex Factor rehearsals was Gerald McHugh's dog Toby: "He sang Galway Girl and was very good. I've been doing a lot of voice coaching with him. If he wins I am going to start an all dog band," he said.

And Pickles the dog sang 'Wishing Well' by Free: "He's a rock dog like his mother. Will he win? Absolutely," laughed his owner, Bernie Murphy.

One of the judges, 'Duck' said he's looking for a talented dog who can sing "loud and proud" tonight: "It's going to be a great night. I want to see a good strong singer. A dog with a bit of tune. A dog that is proud to sing out loud. I would invite all dogs and their owners to come and take part. Who knows who's going to take home the big prize," he laughed.

The Rex Factor kicks off tonight at 8pm in Mahon's Hotel. You'd be barking to miss it!

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 22 Jul 10

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