Junior Eurovision star Isla McManus celebrated at The Junction in Antrim

Isla McManus with her plaque in The Junction, Antrim.

The Junction in Antrim rolled out a festive welcome for rising star Isla McManus, following her standout performance as a Junior Eurovision Ireland finalist. The young singer was joined by friends, family, and Santa Claus himself for a celebratory breakfast recognising her meteoric rise in the world of music.

During the event, The Junction presented Isla with a commemorative plaque – soon to be displayed inside the shopping centre – honouring her achievements. She was also gifted a special microphone to mark the occasion.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, Cllr. Leah Kirkpatrick, attended the celebration and praised the young performer’s rapidly expanding portfolio of success.

Recording her first music video this year, performing in Matilda at the Grand Opera House, and fundraising for Autism NI with fellow young singer Logan Doyle, Isla has solidified her place as one of Northern Ireland’s most exciting young talents.

A Breakout Star With Local Roots

Isla first gained widespread attention during the Covid-19 pandemic, when her viral rendition of Dance Monkey captivated audiences online. She has remained a familiar face in Antrim ever since, performing at all seven of the town’s Christmas light switch-ons in 2023 — with The Junction named as her favourite place to sing.

Now an ambassador for the Aware NI Express Yourself campaign and fresh from receiving a special recognition award at the Local Women’s Magazine Awards, Isla shows no sign of slowing down. She is set to appear on RTÉ’s The Late Late Toy Show on Friday 5 December 2025, a milestone moment for the young performer.

Celebratory Messages

(L-R) Alan Boal, Director of Event Tech NI; Isla McManus, Junior Eurovision Ireland Finalist; Alana Patterson, Isla’s Mum; Chris Flynn, Centre Director at The Junction, Antrim; Cllr. Leah Kirkpatrick, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council; Ryan McNicholl, Event Tech NI.

Praising Isla’s success, Chris Flynn, Centre Director at The Junction, said:

“Everyone at The Junction is delighted to celebrate Isla’s achievements. She is an absolutely phenomenal performer who continues to inspire so many. At such a young age, Isla has amazed us all with her talent and we cannot wait to watch her continue in her path to superstardom and hope to have her back at The Junction very soon.”

Cllr. Leah Kirkpatrick added:

“Isla McManus has inspired our community with her courage, compassion, and extraordinary talent. Her remarkable achievements, culminating in a stunning 2nd place at Junior Eurovision Ireland, have brought immense pride to her school, our Borough, and our Country. Congratulations, Isla. Keep shining!”

With her profile rising across Ireland and beyond, Isla’s appearance at The Junction marks another step in what promises to be an extraordinary journey for the young performer.