Gerard ‘delighted’ to reach semi-finals of Glór Tíre

A CASTLEDERG father-of-three is now just one episode of ‘Glór Tíre’ away from reaching the grand final of this season of TG4’s hit country music show.

When the 45-year-old from Scraghey steps onto the stage for the live broadcast of the Glór Tíre semi-finals this Tuesday (April 16), he is determined to ‘make his family and everyone that he knows proud and happy’.

Gerard will be competing for the public vote with Jason McCahill (Donegal); Jenny Hanlon (Louth); and Alistair Fingleton (Kildare).

Only one of the four can go through to join Chelsea Evans (Donegal); Kark Kirkpatrick (Fermanagh); and Shannen Carroll (Meath) in the final, which takes place the following week

“I’ll give it the best shot I can,” says Gerard, who has described his Glór Tire journey as ‘mind-boggling’ – particularly as he has seen how it has positively enhanced his profile.

“From being on the show, I’ve discovered there are people out there who like listening to my songs,” he smiled.

“It’s a wee bit humbling, as at gigs now, people are wanting to get a photograph with me.”

Gerard, who is being mentored by fellow Tyrone man, Jim Devine, has been delighted with the support he has received across his native county.

“There are a lot of people supporting me,” he said. “Indeed, that support appears to be across south Ulster.

“I was gigging in Monaghan recently, and people that I’ve never met before are saying that they will support me and vote for me, so hopefully they’ll be true to their word!”

Gerard – husband of Donna and father of Cara, Daithi, and Fainna – proudly now has his sights set on reaching the Grand Finals of the competition, but no matter what happens, he knows he can continue to reap the benefits of being on Glór Tíre.

“I’ve enjoyed seeing how the show is made, and meeting people like Brendan Shine,” he continued. “Whatever happens, I’ll keep my feet on the ground and try and get a few gigs gathered up.

“There is definitely a market out there if I want to do that.

As for the the big competition, Gerard added, “I can only do my best and no more.”

The Glór Tíre semi-final is on TG4 this Tuesday (April 16) at 9.30pm, and it will be presented by Aoife Ní Thuairisg. The judges will be RTÉ Raidio na Gaeltachta’s Jó Ní Chéide and Caitriona Ní Shuilleabháin, with guest judge, Trudi Lalor of RSVP Country.