A WIDNES songwriter has had his dream of becoming a professional recording artist shattered.

Martin McInerney, aged 26, performed in the first live show of The Voice in Ireland, the Irish edition of the TV talent show, The Voice, but failed to win enough votes.

Judges had fought to coach him after he staged a powerful performance of ‘Mercy’ in a blind audition.

Martin, aged 26, from Hough Green, said: “It was great fun to sing live on the telly.

“I was in Dublin all week for rehearsals.

“I have been working flat out to make a career in music.”

Martin, a former pupil at SS Peter & Paul Catholic College, travelled across Europe playing in bars and now lives in Cork.

His mum, Karen lives in Brookdale and he has a four-year-old son, Caleb.

His nan, Clara Mullarkey, lives in Royal Avenue.