Fermanagh farmer on song for grand final

Fermanagh country singer, Conor Owens. Image source: Sean McCormack
Fermanagh country singer, Conor Owens. Image source: Sean McCormack

Having to sing in Irish for the first time in front of thousands of TV viewers proved no bother to Fermanagh country singer, Conor Owens, when he was put to the test last week, reaching the grand final of Glór Tíre, the prestigious country music country music TV show.

The 18-year-old from Arney was one of five semi-finalists on Glór Tíre, which was broadcast live on the Irish language TV station, TG4, on Tuesday night last (April 8).

Owens impressed the judges, studio audience, and the voting public with his renditions of Louise Morrissey’s ‘Tipperary On My Mind’ and Hank Thompson’s 1956 hit, ‘The Blackboard of My Heart’, which he sang in Irish.

Owens said: “It was interesting, it was my first time singing in Irish.”

“I was nervous, but sure, that helps the whole thing go on. I had the song written out phonetically and learned it that way.”

The Fermanagh man's performance was a hit, earning him a place in the Glór Tíre grand final.

This will be broadcast live on TG4 on Tuesday, April 15 at 9.30pm, where he will be hoping to take the title of Ireland’s Glór Tíre country music champion 2025.

Despite being the youngest competitor on this season of Glór Tíre, Owens radiated confidence, which served him well throughout the show.

"I don't know where that confidence comes from. I've been singing since I was very small, but I always enjoyed it and yeah, nerves never bothered me, but the night does test the nerves because it's live TV.

"Ah, look, Glór Tíre has been a great experience. It’s been brilliant singing with these great singers,

"I've really enjoyed coming down to Galway and being a part of a show on TV. It's a great platform to build your career on and push your career forward. I'd recommend any singer to do it.”

Owens is now preparing for the Glór Tíre grand final where he will compete alongside fellow Fermanagh man, Paddy Treacy, and Co. Derry’s John Mullan.

"I’m delighted to be in the final. I’ll just be myself and do my best. What more can you ask of anyone? You go ahead and just be the best version of yourself," he said.

Even amid his rising profile as a new country singer, the farm tasks still have to be done.

"You do what you do, but you have to get away for an odd day,” the Fermanagh man said.

“I would farm at home there and work for a fellow on another farm, and this time of year we're busy with fertiliser and getting the cattle out when the weather's good. There's 101 things you could be at every day.”

His fellow contestant and farmer, Donegal's Jack Larry, may not have reached the semi-final but he looks back on his time on the TG4 show with pride.

The 23 year-old veterinary nurse, farmer and country musician delivered well-received performances such as his recent single 'I'll Settle for Old Ireland', as well as 'The Rose of Castlerea', and his lively take on Status Quo's 'Burning Bridges'.

Larry said he won many new fans along the way.

"Throughout Glór Tíre, I was getting great support in Donegal and I was down at the jiving championships in Ballinasloe at the weekend.

Related Stories

"I got to do a few songs with Mike Denver on the Sunday and there's no better place down there. Half the country was down for the jiving and I got a great reaction from everyone."

Meanwhile, there's plenty to be done on the farm.

"It's a busy time of year. We would be just right in the middle of the lambing season," Larry said.

"They still have to be looked after. My father has been running about trying to get things sorted for that while I've been on the show."

Share this article