Strabane country music star returns to TV screens

JIM Devine has a sharp eye for spotting emerging talent, and when it comes to Ireland’s leading Country Music show, Glór Tire, a track record for picking winners.

The Strabane singer is a popular name on the country and Irish circuit – best known for the songs ‘Leighann Loves to Dance’, ‘Baby Baby’, and ‘We’re Here to Stay’ – and that sharp eye of his will be at work again when he reprises his role as a mentor on the long-running series.

“This is my fourth time on Glór Tíre,” he says. “I was a mentor to Paschal McAnenly in 2020 who won it that year.”

Glór Tire begins its 20th season on Irish-language TV station TG4 on Tuesday, March 12. Eight contestants will battle it out for the title of Ireland’s Glór Tíre Country Music Champion 2024, with Jim mentoring Gerard Gormley from Scraghey, outside Castlederg, and Chelsea Evans from Dunfanaghy, Co Donegal.

Jim’s eye for talent meant fellow Tyrone man, Gerard Gormley, had already been on his radar. “I was judging a music competition in Bundoran, and Gerard was in it,” says Jim. “He got to the semi-finals. Although he didn’t win, I had already singled him out as someone who would be a great contestant for Glór Tire.”

Jim will be on the March 26 episode of the show, performing his own songs and duetting with Chelsea on Brett Young’s hit, ‘In Case You Didn’t Know’ and with Gerard on the Country standard, ‘Truck Driving Man’.

Jim is no stranger to TV talent search shows, having reached the finals of RTÉ’s The Voice of Ireland in 2012.

Given his own experiences of television, and some 15 years on the Irish country scene, what advice will Jim pass on to Gerard and Chelsea as they get ready to appear on Glór Tíre?

“Sing your strongest songs first, don’t keep them in reserve in case you don’t get that far,” he says. “Hit them between the eyes with your best.

“Be yourself and be kind. Use Glór Tíre as a platform, because it is a great platform. When I’m on the road, playing gigs, there will always be people saying to me, ‘I saw you on Glór Tire!’

“Every week, somebody mentions it. It’s a great way to get exposure.”