Donegal veterinary nurse and singer, Jack Larry, has his sights set on becoming the country's new country music star.

He lines up to appear alongside Marion Kelly from Co. Limerick in the first episode of the 21st season of Glór Tíre - TG4's hit country music show - which returns on Tuesday, March 4 at 9:30p.m.

23-year-old Larry, a native of Buncrana, grew up spending a lot of time on the family farm.

"I was always helping my grandda at the weekend, school holidays or any chance I got. I keep a small flock of lowland cross ewes alongside a few purebred lanarks," he said.

Also performing on the show will be Mike Denver, one of the most popular and established names on the Irish country scene, who is mentoring both singers.

“It’s a lot to take in,” Larry mused of his upcoming appearance on Glór Tíre.

"It’s always been something I’ve watched on TV every year, but never imagined being on it, especially as Glór Tíre is very important because there are very few country music programmes on TV. This time of year, everyone looks forward to watching it.”

He is proud to be one of two contestants this year representing Donegal. 

"Many of the big figures in country music in Ireland – Daniel O’Donnell, Margo – they’re all up the top of Ireland,” he said.

For his Glór Tíre episode, Larry will perform his recent single, ‘I’ll Settle For Old Ireland’, and, as a duet with Mike Denver, a version of the 1988 Buck Ownes/Dwight Yoakam hit, ‘The Streets of Bakersfield.'

He is delighted to have this chance to work with Denver, whom he cites as one of his key inspirations.

"Growing up I’ve always listened to Mike. He’s always on in the house, and I’ve seen him live many times,” he said.

“Having the chance to work with him is a big help. His experience cannot be matched. The most important advice he’s given me has been to relax and enjoy it all."

That respect is mutual, as Denver is full of praise for Jack and his approach to country music.

“Jack brings it back to that old country style and sound. He has a great voice," he said.

Away from the music, Jack has his veterinarian work. Like music, it is something he is passionate about.

“I enjoy the outdoors and find that work very rewarding," he said.

"I graduated from veterinary nursing and started working on a local dairy farm where they milk around 400 cows and they also farm a flock pedigree and commercial ewes," Larry said.

"I could be at anything at work whether it be milking, feeding stock, calving, or some machinery work or any day-to-day jobs. There's no two days the same."

"Some of the milk is pasteurised on-farm and sold through a self-service vending machine on-farm at the Milk Bar in Lusticle, Carrigans, which is very popular with the locals, definitely the best milk in Donegal," Larry said.

Growing up, he was immersed in country music.

"My father was a musician also and played the accordion. Country music was always listened to at home and once I was old enough, I started going to the dances at the weekends. So safe to say, I know no different," he explained.

"I always played music from a young age. Luckily now I spend most weekends gigging around Donegal which I really enjoy, especially meeting new people and seeing all the dancers.

Glór Tíre is produced by Galway production company, Gael Media.

This year’s contestants are: John Mullan Derry/Tyrone; Erin Noone, Co. Meath; Marion Kelly, Co. Limerick; Jack Larry, Co. Donegal; Michaela Harkin, Co. Donegal; Conor Owens, Co. Fermanagh; Paddy Treacy, Co. Fermanagh, and Jack Gladney, Co. Carlow.

The show is presented by Aoife Ní Thuairsig, and the judges are RTÉ Raidio na Gaeltachta’s Jó Ní Chéide and singer Caitriona Ní Shuilleabháin. The guest judge for the March 4 show will be Eddie Rowley of The Sunday World.