Derry GAA to back country singer John Mullan as he gets set to compete in semi-final of TG4’s Glór Tíre

When County Derry Country singer John Mullan steps onto the stage of TG4’s Glór Tíre next week, he does so safe in the knowledge that his journey is far from over.

John is already through to the semi-finals of the most prestigious country music show on Irish TV, but it’s been an emotional journey for the 21-year-old from Ballinderry.

“I’ve never been in a semi-final for anything,” admits John.

“When it was announced I’d be going through, I had to go outside, I phoned my parents to tell them, and I just broke down and started crying. It was just the shock of it. I didn’t think I’d ever get this far.”

John had impressed the show's judges with his rendition of Luke Combs’ ‘Loving On You’ and his duet with Tyrone Country star, Cliona Hagan, on Randy Travis’ much loved, ‘Forever and Ever Amen’.

John next appears on Glór Tire on Tuesday, April 1 at 9.30pm on Irish language station TG4 alongside his fellow semi-finalists, Limerick’s Marion Kelly and Fermanagh’s Conor Owens and Paddy Treacy.

They will be joined by one more contestant to be chosen by public vote: Erin Noone (Meath), Jack Gladney (Carlow), and Donegal natives Jack Larry and Michaela Harkin.

The following week’s semi-final is when John will be looking for votes to get him through to the grand final.

“I’ve had lots of help from people locally, different bars and venues where I’ve done gigs,” continued John.

“One of the best to help me has been my football club, Ballinderry GAA, and the Chair of Derry GAA, John Keenan.”

It is understood Derry GAA will be getting behind John to encourage the people of the county to get behind their man.

“John said that all the clubs will come together to see a county man do well,” says John.

“Hopefully, now that it’s announced I’ll be in the semi-final, everyone will know about Glór Tíre and me representing Derry.”

Glór Tíre is presented by Aoife Ní Thuairisg. The resident judges are RTÉ Raidio na Gaeltachta’s Jó Ní Chéide and singer Caitriona Ní Shuilleabháin. The guest judge for the April 1 show will be singer Shawn Cuddy. The guest judge for the April 8 semi-final will be the Sunday World’s Eddie Rowley.