Good luck Cora! Young Derry girl goes for glory tonight in the final of an All-Ireland talent competition

A young Derry girl goes for glory tonight in the final of what has been described as Ireland’s biggest talent show.

Cora Harkin is one of 13 finalists in the 'Opportunity Knocks' competition which will be held at the Central Hotel in Donegal Town.

The first round was on March 4.

At this show eight-year-old Cora received the highest amount of points from the judges - 52/60, but only managed to scrape through in 5th place when audience votes (25% of final score) were counted.

The St Patrick's Primary School pupil competed in the semi-final last week.

She received the second highest point total from the judges, 56/60 but dropped to 6th place after audience votes were counted.

This would have put her out of the competition but she was then offered a 'wild card' by the judges to return and compete in the final.

At only eight years of age, Cora was the youngest contestant in the competition which is open to all ages including adults.

In round one she sang 'How far I'll Go' by Alessi Cara and 'My Heart Will Go On' by Celine Dion.

In round 2 she sang 'Opportunity' by Sia and Frozen's Let it Go.

Comments from judges Malachy Cush, Micky Jo Hart and Deirdre McEneny have been overwhelmingly positive about the local girl’s performances.

Cora is also competing in a Dublin based all Ireland talent show – teenstars. She has already impressed the judges there and now awaits the second heat.

She has been very busy performing this past year in various productions from NISMAT; Showtimers Stage School and Fresh Academy of Performing Arts.

Over the Christmas period Cora sang in Foylside for Children in Crossfire and the Samaritans.

Along with attending St Patrick’s Primary School, Cora is also a member of Studio 2’s Showtimers Stage School, Fresh Academy of Performing Arts and attends Aideen Davis Vocal Coach.

In her own time Cora plays the guitar and likes to write and perform her own songs.

She also has her own youtube channel 'Secret of Songs'.