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HomeFarming NewsFarmer crowned 2021 Glór Tíre champion
Catherina Cunnane
Catherina Cunnanehttps://www.thatsfarming.com/
Catherina Cunnane hails from a sixth-generation drystock and specialised pedigree suckler enterprise in Co. Mayo. She currently holds the positions of editor and general manager at That's Farming, having joined the firm during its start-up phase in 2015.
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Farmer crowned 2021 Glór Tíre champion

Farmer and general nursing student, Emma Donohue, has been crowned TG4 Glór Tíre champion for 2021.

In a highly contested final, she took most of the public votes, securing the coveted title and a €5,000 cash prize. The Ballinasloe, County Galway native was mentored by Mike Denver on the country music show, which aired each Tuesday night.

Speaking following the announcement last night (Tuesday, April 13th), she said: “I am absolutely delighted; you have made one girl from Galway a very happy one tonight.”

“I would like to say a huge thank you to the team here at Gaelmedia and TG4, everyone involved in the production, who have made this experience so worthwhile.”

“I want to say commiserations to David. You are an absolute gem, a gentleman of all sorts and a pleasure to meet. Each and every one of the contestants has a bright future ahead. Each one of you has your own unique taste and style.”

“To my wonderful mentor, Mike Denver, and Willie Carthy, I want to say thank you for the huge opportunity over the past couple of weeks. To my mum, dad, and brother, without them, I do not know where I would have been throughout the whole series.”

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“Friends, family, neighbours, everyone at home, you have been brilliant, and the support has been so positive. My Glór Tíre journey has come to an end and I am absolutely delighted. Thank you to each and everyone one of you; we brought it home.” she added.

Musical career

That’s Farming interviewed Donohue, one of the youngest stars on the Irish country music scene, ahead of her appearance on the show last year.

Speaking to the publication, she said: “There was always music in our house for as long as I can remember. My mam and dad always had Valerie Hughes on Galway Bay FM on the radio on a Saturday morning with some of the best of country music tracks flowing throughout the house.”

“Not to mention CDs galore of all the country music singers. The beat, the flow and the rhythm attached to country music are something special it will always have your feet itching to get up and dance.”

Inspired by Philomena Begley, Billy Jo Spears, Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris and Carlene Carter, Donohue’s musical career began when she was in secondary school.

“I went to some social dances at the weekend locally. As time went on, there was not a weekend where I was at home.”

“There was a high chance you would see me at any dance in any venue. I lived for the weekends, dancing to some of the top singers including Mike Denver, Derek Ryan, Patrick Feeney and many more,” she added.

Country music show

Glór Tíre, produced by Gaelmedia, was presented by Aoife Ni Thuairisg and Séamus Ó Scanláin.

Furthermore, judges, John Creedon, Caitríona Ní Shúilleabháin and Jo Ní Chéide, who ably guided the contestants. A public vote decided the winner.

This year’s other singers included Kelan Browne from Ballybofey Co. Donegal, mentored by Robert Mizzell, Stephen Stokes from Tipperary town mentored by Louise Morrissey, David Connor from Claremorris, Co. Mayo mentored by Michael English, Mary Hoey from Cullyhanna Co. Armagh, mentored by The Sheerin Family and Tilly Dawson-Stanley from Glasson Co. Westmeath mentored by Cliona Hagan.

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