Limerick singer hoping to be Ireland's next country music star
BRIAN ‘Tex’ Deegan is looking to be the next Irish country music star as he gets ready to compete in Season 19 of TG4’s Glór Tíre.
The Caherconlish man is one of eight contestants taking part in the new series which premieres next Tuesday, January 10.
With a lifelong interest in music, the singer admits that his interesting nickname actually came from his childhood dream of “wanting to be a jockey.”
“There was a riding school near us, and as children we were there all the time,” he started. “It came from the cowboy thing
and from being around the horses. It was Texas for years, then it got shortened to Tex. It’s stuck since I was seven.”
As he grew, so did his love for music, and eventually Tex was welcomed into the roadie life as he worked with friends’ bands before stepping onto the stage himself.
“I grew up being a massive fan of Elvis Presley, Shakin’ Stevens, and The Beatles,” he said. But by the time he had taken to performing he had a huge interest in country music, from Vince Gill, Willie Nelson and Brad Paisley to Alan Jackson, and the ‘King of Country’, George Strait.
Over the last decade, Tex has played pubs and hotels up and down the country.
“The Gleneagle Hotel in Killarney, is a place I play a lot,” he agreed.
The Limerick man also found support for his music on local radio in Clare and Tipperary while also working with big names like Nathan Carter, Derek Ryan, and Mike Denver.
About being on the show, Tex agrees he is excited to show off his skills to the country. “It’s a great opportunity,” he said.
“I’m delighted to be on Glór Tíre as it is not everyday you are asked to be on television.”
Mentored for the competition by Derry country star John McNicholl, who he met while gigging in Portugal, Tex is hoping to wow the resident judges as he goes head to head with rival Florence Given on January 24 for the right to take part in the live elimination shows next month.