Dungiven singing sensation Eoghan Quigg proved he is born to be star after making it through to the knock out stages of X factor at the weekend.

By Connla Young

connla@derrypost.com

The teenager is set for the big time after music supremo Simon Cowell put him through to the final stages of the talent competition on Sunday.

But the 16-year-old had a tense wait to see if he had made it down to the last 12 after Saturday night’s performance from Cowell’s Barbados holiday home.

An anxious Eoghan was forced to sweat it out before Cowell and singer Sinitta gave him the nod.

Speaking to the County Derry Post yesterday, Eoghan’s proud mum Denise revealed she will travel to England next week to attend the live knockout round of the hit TV show.

“It’s been amazing for us all,” she said.

“Everyone is excited that he is through to the next stages.

“There’s great excitement, not just in the family but all through the town. We are all going to the live shows and are really looking forward to it.”

After the Sunday’s showdown with Cowell, the Dungiven lad vowed to scoop top prize.

“This is my wildest dream come through. I want to go all the way and try and win the competition.”

And X-factor hysteria has hit Dungiven as support for the Saint Patrick’s College student hits fever pitch.

Anne Sands, Principal of St Patrick’s  said the whole school has been gripped by Eoghan mania.

“We are absolutely delighted at how well he has done,” she said. “But we always knew he has the X-factor. It is fabulous for Eoghan, his family, the school and the whole town. It’s big business around the school today and I’m sure everyone will be keeping Saturday nights free from now on.”