Banagher-based singer to compete in new series of TG4's Glór Tíre

Singer Deirdre Keane, a Galway native who has made her home in Offaly, will be one of the contestants on the new series of TG4's country music talent competition, Glór Tíre.

The Banagher resident will be featuring on the 18th season of the popular show, which returns with a new set and a new format on Tuesday, January 11.

Having previously been broadcast from The Quays pub in Galway, the new series of Glór Tíre will be filmed from a studio in Claregalway.

Some of Ireland's biggest names in country music, including Johnny Brady, Ciarán Rosney, Olivia Douglas and Mike Denver, will mentor two contestants each, as rising stars from all across the island of Ireland compete for the Glór Tíre title.

The winner of the upcoming season the show will receive a cash prize fund of €5,000, and will also get to join Mike Denver and friends for one week of shows and performances in Portugal in 2022.

Resident judges Jo Ní Chéide and Caitriona Ní Shuilleabháin will be joined for the new season by guest judges including entertainment journalist Eddie Rowley, of the Sunday World, and country stars Mick Flavin, Susan McCann and Louise Morrissey.

There will be eight contestants on the series, with Deirdre Keane and fellow Galway woman Katelyn Molloy being mentored by Ciarán Rosney.

Fermanagh's Rachel McConnell and Tipperary's Colin Kenny will be mentored by Olivia Douglas; while Tracy Brennan from Tyrone and Kenny Crawford from Donegal will be mentored by Johnny Brady.

Mike Denver, meanwhile, will mentor Ballinasloe's Rachel Goode and Aishling Rafferty from Tipperary.

Glór Tíre returns to TG4 on January 11, at 9.30pm, and will continue each Tuesday until the finale on February 22.