Country singer Jack is ready to shine on TV talent show
Carlow singer Jack Gladney
CARLOW singer Jack Gladney will feature on TG4’s next month, hoping to become Ireland’s newest country music star.
Jack (24) will compete for the coveted title of Glór Tíre Country Music Champion 2025 against seven other talented singers from across the country on the new season of the ever-popular show.
Jack, who has been a longtime fan of , finally took the plunge this year and applied for the competition.
He said: “I watched the programme, always loved it and always wanted to do it, but I was always too busy with college and placements and doing a master’s so I never really had a chance. But I’m qualified now so I said ‘here, I’ll throw my name in and see what happens’. Got the phone call then and I was delighted.
“I can’t believe I’m here and getting the chance to perform among the people I’m performing with – it’s unbelievable.”
Jack is a primary school teacher from St Mullins. His love of country music can be attributed to American stars such as Luke Combs and Morgan Wallen along with Irish singers such as Nathan Carter and fellow Carlovian Derek Ryan.
On a trip to Nashville in 2023, Jack found himself crying in disbelief that he had a chance to visit the country music capital of the world.
“I was lucky enough in 2023 to go to Nashville and that really solidified my love of country music, and I got to go to the Grand Ole Opry. I went in and I was crying going in the door. There were these Americans looking at me like, ‘is he okay?’ I couldn’t believe it … to even step out onto the stage was a smack in the face. It was unbelievable.”
Back home, Jack will be performing by The Dubliners as a duet with The Tumbling Paddies, his mentors for the season.
“I’ve listened to them for years, and when I was told they were going to mentor me for the season, I couldn’t believe it. To get to work with lads my own age who are in the business and get the ins and outs of it all … I can’t believe it really,” said Jack.
The Tumbling Paddies haven’t been shy about giving advice, reminding Jack to be himself and not to get caught up in the show.
Jack said: “In country music, it’s very shirts and waistcoats and all that. They said, ‘you’re young, be yourself, don’t try to fit a mould. People will like you for you and not for trying to be someone else’.”
Now in its 21st year, is the longest-running country music show on Irish television. The 2025 series begins on Tuesday 4 March on TG4.
