Martina Flaherty comes second in international competition

Galway singer-songwriter Martina Flaherty has battled her way to second place in the jazz section of the International Songwriting Competition, an annual event judged by the likes of artists Janelle Monae and Martina McBride and industry insiders like Vevo's Vice President of Talent, Lori Teig.

Flahertys' original song 'Lover' was only kept out of the top spot by Grammy-nominated jazz singer Gregory Porter, whose second album 'Be Good' was released earlier this year.

She also received an honourable mention in the performance category for 'The Dream' which helped the singer and 12-year-old daughter, Rhianna win TG4s “Feis And Blood” series last year, a competition to find Ireland's most talented family.

The Loughgrea native is a familiar face on the Galway music scene having performed with bands like Charis, Lazy Blues, Belladonna and Tom Portman.