Northern Ireland

Singers from Co Tyrone and Co Antrim aiming to become TG4's next country music star

Glór Tíre contestant Paschal McAnenly with his mentor, country singer Jim Devine
Glór Tíre contestant Paschal McAnenly with his mentor, country singer Jim Devine Glór Tíre contestant Paschal McAnenly with his mentor, country singer Jim Devine

A CO Tyrone singer is among six hopefuls aiming to be crowned Ireland's next country music star.

Paschal McAnenly, from Ballygawley, who works with Donnelly Jaguar Land Rover in Dungannon, is among the singers taking part in TG4's Glór Tíre.

The show, filmed at the Quays bar in Co Galway, partners the six singers with experienced country musicians.

Mr McAnenly, whose musical influences include Glen Campbell, Merle Haggard, and Josh Groban, will be mentored by fellow Tyrone singer Jim Devine, from Douglas Bridge.

Another of the six, machine operative Philip Magee from Larne, Co Antrim, will be mentored by Co Derry singer John McNicholl.

Mr Magee's influences include Elvis, George Jones and Big Tom.

Other contestants include Sinéad Black from Letterkenny, Co Donegal; Aoife McDonagh, from Ballymoate, Co Sligo; Alex Roe from Clara, Co Offaly, and Lisa Callanan from Craughwell, Co Galway.

The show will be filmed in Galway for 12 weeks.

The programme is presented by Aoife Ni Thuairisg and Seamús Ó Scanláin, with help from judges John Creedon, Caitríona Ní Shúilleabháin and Jó Ní Chéide.

Previous Glór Tíre contestants include country star Lisa McHugh.

The programme will be broadcast on TG4 every Tuesday at 9.30pm from January 7.