Letterkenny’s Amy Gillen did both London and Donegal proud at the Rose of Tralee opening night last night.
The award-winning flautist and music teacher, who is the London Rose, was described as a ‘shooting star’ as she glided onto the stage for her TV interview.
Speaking to new co-host Kathryn Thomas, Amy (27) spoke about her career goal to inspire young children to pursue their passion for music.
Now living in Central London, she works with St Andrew’s Youth Club and teaches at the Westminster Performing Arts School.
London Rose Amy Gillen
Amy shared her heartfelt appreciation to her parents, Billy and Aisling Gillen, for supporting her music career and driving her to Dublin so many times for lessons at the Royal Irish Academy of Music.
“Without them, I wouldn’t be doing what I am doing today. It takes that sacrifice to get where I am now. I’m so grateful to them,” Amy said.
Amy also paid tribute to the late Sinead O’Connor as an icon for Irish music. She spoke of an inspirational gathering that she attended in London in memory of Sinead this month.
Amy said: “I think it was so important to gather that day and remember her and to feel inspired by her message and to carry it on through myself and through the kids that I teach.”
Amy was so impressive that one Twitter user said: “Defo London Rose for the win. She was absolutely beautiful. dress, personality, beauty and talent 10/10 just sensational”
She finished her interview with a beautiful performance of Phil Coulter’s – The Town I Loved So Well. The song was selected in memory of John Hume’s passing in August 2020.
Watch here:
London Rose, Amy Gillen from Donegal plays her version of Phil Coulter’s – The Town I Loved So Well. pic.twitter.com/H66uckAns6
— Josh Crosbie (@JoshCrosbie3) August 21, 2023
