Niall Horan /

Niall James Horan (born 13 September 1993 in Mullingar, County Westmeath, Ireland) was born to mother Maura and father Bobby, he has an older brother, Greg, 23, their parents divorced when he was five. He was a pupil at Coláiste Mhuire, a boys' Christian Brothers school. Prior to participating in X-Factor, he performed around his homeland, including as a support act for Lloyd Daniels in Dublin. Horan has been playing guitar since childhood. He and his brother lived between each of their homes for a few years before eventually deciding to live with their father in Mullingar. Horan was a pupil at Coláiste Mhuire, a boys' Christian Brothers school. He was in the school choir, performing seasonally around Christmas. Prior to participating in The X Factor, he performed around his homeland, including as a support act for Lloyd Daniels in Dublin. Horan has also stated that he is a "big swing" fan, citing favourite artists Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Michael Bublé. Horan also cites rock music favourably and is a fan of The Eagles, Bon Jovi and The Script.