TG4’s popular Country Music series, Glór Tíre, is returning for its 22nd season, with eight emerging Country and Irish singers competing to become Ireland’s next Country Music star.

The first episode will be broadcast on TG4 on Tuesday, January 27, at 9.30pm, with longtime presenter Aoife Ní Thuairisg at the helm. It will run for the following six Tuesdays, with the final on March 10.

This year’s contestants are Darcy Walsh (Donegal), Jordan McPolin (Down), Megan O’Hara (Offaly), Marty Breslin (Derry), Maeve Farrell (Down), Paudie Coffey (Kerry), Ryan Lynch (Tyrone), and Dee Morrissey (Tipperary).

They will be mentored by leading names in Irish Country Music, including Jimmy Buckley, Claudia Buckley, Michael English and Patrick Feeney.

Raidió na Gaeltachta’s Jó Ní Chéide and singer Caitriona Ní Shuilleabháin will return as resident judges. Guest judges this season will include firm favourite, The Sunday World’s Eddie Rowley, alongside legendary singer Brendan Shine, singer-songwriter and broadcaster Marc Roberts, and singer and RSVP Country editor, Trudi Lalor.

Each week, the contestants will perform solo songs and duet with their mentor. The mentors will also perform solo sets, with all singers being backed by leading musicians in the genre.

“Glór Tíre is possibly the most-watched programme on TG4,” said mentor, Jimmy Buckley. “It’s a great springboard for any artist, a great shop window, a great platform. It’s amazing the amount of exposure it gives to young artists.”

Glór Tíre is produced locally by Gael Media. For more information on this year’s series, go to www.tg4.ie.

Pictured: Presenter Aoife Ní Thuairisg.