‘People have asked me to do gigs just because of Glór Tíre’

SEMI FINALISTS GET READY FOR THEIR BIG SHOW PERFORMANCES

THIS Tuesday sees Glór

Tíre reach the semi-final of TG4’s search for a new country star with four contenders seeking public votes.

They are Kildare’s Alistair Fingleton from Castledermot, Donegal’s Jason McCahill from Ramelton, Louth’s Jenny Hanlon from Cooley and Tyrone’s Gerard Gormley from Castlederg.

But the contestants say the show has already boosted their careers.

“In the last six, seven, weeks, since I first appeared on the show, the diary has started to fill up,” Alistair (43) says.

“From this show, I’ve gotten to go to places I wouldn’t normally have gone. No matter what happens, I will still be busy because there is interest from people all over Ireland, the UK even. People have asked me to do gigs because of Glór Tíre.”

HUMBLING

A highlight for Alistair was duetting with his old school friend and mentor, Michael English, who is also from Castledermot. “I know in years to come I’ll play it back and say, I’m delighted I got to do that with Michael.’”

Gerard Gormley (45), who is mentored by Jim Devine, says he’s thrilled with the reaction he’s been getting since appearing on the show. “I’ve discovered there are people out there who like listening to my songs,” he says. “It’s a wee bit humbling as at gigs people want to get a photograph with you.

“There are a lot of people supporting me… people you’ve never met before are saying they will support you and vote for you. Whatever happens, I’ll keep my feet on the ground.”

Jason McCahill (26) is hoping to join fellow Donegal country singer, Chelsea Evans, in the final.

This Tuesday he will perform the Randy Travis hit, Three Wooden Crosses. “It’s my mother’s favourite and I’ll be happy to sing it for her.”

Donegal, he says, has got behind him as he battles for a place in the final. “Somebody said to me the other day, ‘I’m fed up looking at you, ‘cause no matter what direction I turn, I can see your face whether on social media or a billboard!’”

Jason adds that the bookings are also flooding in from outside the county. “Gigs have been flying in since I appeared on the show,” he says. “So no matter what happens now, I’m happy.”

Singer-songwriter Jenny Hanlon has been winning fans with her performances of songs such as Shallow and Trouble In Our Fields, with the latter being a particularly special song to her.

“It’s a tribute to my cousin, Raymond Hanlon, who sadly passed away last year,” she revealed, adding that it was played at his funeral.

Ultimately, Jenny’s goal is to develop and gain recognition as a songwriter. “I love performing and am still trying not to let the nerves take over, but songwriting is my outlet,” she says. “I find it very healing. It’s very important to me.”

The Glór Tíre semi-final is on TG4 this Tuesday at 9.30pm.