Patrick Donoghue wins ‘The Voice of Ireland’

Dubliner Patrick Donoghue has won the final of RTE's The Voice of Ireland after impressing viewers with a rendition of Michael Jackson's Man in the Mirror and Mama Knows Best by Jessie J.

The 23-year-old Dunnes Stores employee beat off competition from runner-up Emma Humber (19), a student from Dublin; Sarah McTernan (21), a shop assistant from Clare; and Kieran McKillop (23), a sheep farmer from Antrim.

The final, broadcast on Sunday evening, included coaches Bressie, Una Foden, Rachel Stevens and Kian Egan performing their version of Should I Stay or Should I Go by The Clash.

The judges were effusive in their praise for Donoghue, who wins the prize of a recording contract with Universal Music.

Bressie, who coached the runner-up, confessed to being a big fan.

“You really don’t need me to tell you I think you’re incredible. I don’t think I’ve heard you hit a bum note in this whole series.”

Rachel Stevens said: “Soul diva was out in force tonight. You’ve got such an incredibly powerful voice. It’s faultless. You do get very nervous but you channel your nerves so well.”

Kian Egan said: "I feel really happy for you dude. For me, listening to your story, this is it, you're here on The Voice of Ireland singing Michael Jackson.

“You’re a superstar. On that performance you could win the show tonight and if you do I’ll be 100 per cent behind you.”