The 22-year-old, who lost out to David Sneddon BBC One's talent search, received a hero's welcome when she returned to Irvinestown in County Fermanagh on Monday night.

Plans have been in place for some time to welcome the singer back home.

She played a concert in front of hundreds of fans after being greeted by the chairman of the local district council.

David, 24, polled 3.5 million votes out of the 6.9 million cast after singing four songs, including his own composition Living a Lie, during the live showdown.

His success brings him a £1m record contract, a luxury flat in St John's Wood for a year, a sports car and the chance to live the life of a celebrity.

Things are still being discussed, nothing is final, but I will be having a record out next year and hopefully an album Sinead Quinn

Earlier in the evening Lemar Obika, missed out on the dream after polling the least votes of the three.

Sinead kicked off the first segment of the live show, belting out a rendition of No Doubt's Don't Speak, followed by Lemar with a cover of Al Green's Let's Stay Together and finally David with Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me by Sir Elton John.

All three then sang songs they had written themselves while inside the Fame Academy.

David's song will now be released as the first single from the show.

David and Sinead went through to the final segment where they performed another song each before duetting on Sir Elton's I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues.

The Fame Academy album, featuring all 12 contestants, has already sold more than 50,000 copies, and the whole group will be heading off on tour in 2003.

All the original contestants returned for the final - 10 weeks after they entered the £35m mansion in North London - to lend their support to the trio in their quest for the ultimate prize.

Speaking to BBC Radio Ulster, Sinead said she wanted to be on top form for the party in her honour.

Sinead sang No Doubt's Don't Speak

"I didn't win, but I wasn't too badly disappointed," she said.

"Fair play to David, he did well and the best of luck to him.

"I was just happy to get that far, I was proud of myself."

She said it was a great feeling to reach the runner-up position.

"Things are still being discussed, nothing is final, but I will be having a record out next year and hopefully an album.

"I am just going to have a good Christmas - the hard work starts in the New Year."

Sinead said she hoped to stay in touch with the other contestants - including Malachi Cush.