A young Donegal woman is keeping it country in her quest for a career in the music business.
Gráinne Gavigan from Ardara is one of this year’s nine contestants taking part in the Glór Tíre country music singing competition on TG4.
The 18-year old singer, daughter of Hugh and Eileen, is the youngest contestant in this year’s competition and is the only contestant from the North West of Ireland.
Each of the nine contestants has an established Irish country music artist as their mentor. Gráinne’s mentor is the very talented Lisa McHugh, who reached the final of Glór Tíre in December 2009.
Gráinne said “I am privileged to have been chosen by Lisa as her contestant on this year’s show”.
Since first meeting each other in 2007, the girls have been very close friends. She describes Lisa as being the perfect mentor as she is not only a close friend, but has also shared her own personal experience of appearing on the show. This has been a huge benefit for Gráinne along with the endless help and guidance Lisa has shown.
Gráinne is a past pupil of Gortnacart National School, Ardara and St. Columba’s Comprehensive School, Glenties and is currently a first year student at Letterkenny IT (LYIT) where she is studying Health and Social Care.
With a strong tradition of music in her family, it has always been a huge part of Gráinne’s life. Her brother Brendan also plays in a local country music band ‘Ramblin Fever’. She holds a Grade 8 qualification in musical theatre and has won two Ulster Fleadh Cheoil medals for singing in both English and Irish.
Gráinne mentions that she has always had a passion for country music from a very young age, and is a regular face at country dances where she never leaves the floor.
This year’s Glór Tíre series will start on the 9th of January at 10.30pm on TG4 and will run every Wednesday night with the winner being announced on the 17th of April. The programme is broadcast from the Quays Bar in Galway city.
Gráinne is very excited about taking part in this years competition saying “I am looking forward to the months ahead where I will be appearing with Lisa McHugh at many of her gigs along with making numerous appearances at various concerts and dances”.
Gráinne will be depending on the public for their support and will be very grateful for all your votes. To vote from the Republic of Ireland, you can call 1513 415 108 or text ‘GLOR8’ to 53307.
For those voting from Northern Ireland, you can call 0901 6566 108 or text ‘GLOR8’ to 81108. Voting Lines will not open until after the first episode on the 9th of January. You can also follow Gráinne’s progress on her facebook page.
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