By Dionne Meehan
DONEGAL’S Jason McCahill says he’s still in shock after being crowned TG4’s Glór Tíre Country Music Champion of 2024.
Well-known for performing around local pubs, the Ramelton man has now made his name on the national stage following his magnificent performance in Connemara on Tuesday night.
Applying for the competition on a whim after seeing it advertised on social media, the 26-year-old was planning on moving to Australia until he received the news that his application was successful.
“It was in my mind to go to Australia.
“I had applied for the Visa and got it granted.
“I said if I didn’t hear back by Christmas I would jump on the plane and head away,” he said.
Planning to make the journey with his cousin on New Year’s Day, Jason’s plans soon changed once he received the good news.
“We got the word the day before Christmas Eve that I was accepted on to the show so it was a good Christmas present.
“It definitely is now at this stage,” he joked.
Describing himself as a “home bird”, soon everything fell into place for Jason.
He was mentored in the competition by Claudia Buckley, who is the daughter of Country Music legend Jimmy Buckley.
Describing her as a “good friend”, Jason said he took everything she said on board.
Competing against eight tough competitors, one of which was fellow Donegal singer Chelsea Evans, Jason said just being on the show was a win for him.
Following his success in last week’s semi-final Jason was offered the opportunity to change his song choice for the final.
But he decided to play it safe.
“I am glad now I stuck with The Ferryman,” Jason said.
“I was comfortable with it.
“It’s trademarked now as the ‘Jasey Wiggle’ wherever that came out of,” he joked.
Feeling a sense of shock when he was announced as the winner of Tuesday night’s Grand Final, the “full-bred entertainer” said he didn’t expect it at all.
“I was really, really shocked when my name was announced.
“I really didn’t expect it.
“When you get to that stage it is all about your support.
“It is all about a campaign, pushing it on Facebook, Instagram etc.
“Everyone is fed up looking at me,” he joked.
Despite receiving votes from all over Ireland, Jason was blown away by the support he received from the people of Donegal.
“Whenever something happens in Donegal, everyone gets behind it.
“We are a different breed.
“Once somebody is in need, we all jump on board and get fully behind them,” he said.
Now planning some well-deserved celebrations, Jason is looking forward to whatever opportunities may come his way.
“Being on the show was the easy bit, the hard bit is keeping your name out there now and trying to get up alongside the big boys.
“We’ll keep the wheels turning and enjoy it.
“It’s not very often you get on TV never mind win a competition on TV,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, despite Dunfanaghy’s Chelsea Evans, pictured left, losing out on the coveted title, she did not come away empty handed.
Gaining an abundance of new fans as a result of her appearance on the show, the 20-year-old is now looking forward to building on her newly raised profile.
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