With over a decade of experience in local radio and more than one hundred podcast episodes to his name, Tony McGettigan has established himself as a dedicated voice in Irish country music storytelling.

Throughout his radio and podcasting career, the Lettermacaward man has interviewed some of the biggest names in the country music scene, from Michael English to the legendary Daniel O’Donnell.

But one interview stands above the rest was the day he spoke with the King of Irish Country, Big Tom.

Big Tom passed away in April 2018. Tony was fortunate to speak with him less than a year before his death, an experience he calls ‘the biggest honour’ of his career.

It wasn’t just professional admiration that made the interview so meaningful. Tony’s late mother, Mary McGettigan, was a devoted fan of Big Tom.

He fondly recalled her telling him about the first time she heard the voice that stopped her in her tracks. The song was ‘Gentle Mother’.

“Who was singing that song?” she had asked. The answer was Big Tom and those same words are how Tony would later describe his own mother, who remains one of his greatest inspirations.

Country music was the soundtrack of his childhood, he remembers her cassettes playing endlessly around the house.

“And if it’s around you, you fall in love with it,” he said.

LIFELONG PASSION

That early exposure grew into a lifelong passion, which eventually led Tony to Rosses Radio in 2015, where he hosted his first country music show.

While he loved sharing the music he always felt drawn to the deeper stories or the personal, often forgotten, narratives behind the voices and songs.

That curiosity sparked the idea for ‘The Time Out Podcast’, which launched in 2019.

Again, his late mother was at the heart of it.

Big names in Irish country music, including Big Tom himself, would come to play the local hall, but unfortunately the events that were momentous for the community were mostly undocumented.

Tony wanted to change that. He wanted to preserve the untold stories that were at risk of disappearing with those who lived it.

So when he spotted a poster advertising The Wolfe Tones in Gaoth Dobhair, he didn’t hesitate. He approached frontman Brian Warfield, hoping to secure an interview.

“I’ll admit I was chancing my arm,” Tony laughed.

To his surprise, Brian agreed. That conversation became the first ever episode of ‘The Time Out Podcast’.

Now with over 100 episodes released, the podcast has become a time capsule of voices, memories and music that shaped a generation.

Their conversations often go beyond their music career, with Tony describing the interviews as a ‘phone call with a friend’.

Among those he recently interviewed was Clare man, PJ Murrihy, who wrote a moving tribute to local country legend Margo.

He also recalled how of late he spoke to the legendary Shunie Crampsie, who opened up about his own battles with alcohol.

Tony said that, beyond the music, it is important to highlight the stories that could make a difference in a listener’s life.

“I’m trying to help someone out there who might have a similar problem,” he said.

But the popular podcast isn’t just about looking back. Tony also uses his platform to shine a light on emerging local talent such as Donegal man Stephen Bennet.

“That is two ends of the spectrum; you’ve Shunie Crampsie who has been in the game for decades and you’ve Stephen Bennet who is only in the game.”

CARRYING THE TRADITION

He has also sat down with famous young country stars who he believes are carrying the tradition forward in fresh and authentic ways.

He said it is it is just as important to support the next generation as it is to honour the last.

Tony spoke highly of both Nathan Carter and Derek Ryan, who have both featured on the podcast.

He described them as hugely important to what he called a ‘turning of the wheel’ in Irish country music.

“It needed a lift, and to bring in young fans and they’ve both started a great trend that we can all see today.

“When I was growing up, country music wasn’t cool – but they have made it cool.”

Tony is hugely-passionate about the genre, but one thing he always appreciates is originality.

“In Irish country music at times there has been a tendency to cover and cover songs – and there is nothing wrong with that.

“But I have great respect for the singer-songwriter,” he said.

He used Michael English as an example. He spoke about his song ‘The Blacksmith and The Barman’, which was inspired by Tommy Logue in Cranford.

On the podcast Michael revealed how he was deeply-moved by the warm welcome he received from the Logue family when visiting with his band, and it led him to write the now-popular song.

Tony also draws much of his inspiration from his day job at the local community centre in Burtonport. Beyond the household names and country stars, he is passionate about highlighting remarkable local legends whose powerful personal stories deserve the spotlight too.

This includes anyone from dedicated community volunteers to local clergy.

“I respect every story equally,” Tony said.

He also often delves into his other passion which is sport and GAA, relishing interviews with local legends such as 1992 All Ireland winning captain Anthony Molloy to snooker champion Ken Doherty.

Last month to mark his 100th episode, Tony brought together 18 DJs from local radio station Owenea FM in Ardara for an unforgettable showcase of community voices and stories.

Tony himself has hosted an Irish and American Country music on Owenea FM since August 2023.

Owenea FM broadcasts every weekend on 100.8FM across southwest Donegal and streams worldwide at oweneafm.ie

Meanwhile, ‘The Time Out Podcast’ is available on streaming platforms including Spoti