‘Every week, I grew in confidence’, says Longford country music star in wake of Glór Tíre tilt

Bríd was one of five singers who reached the semi-final of the long running, hit Country Music series, which was broadcast on Tuesday [February 14].

Despite a strong performance, which saw her sing the Randy Travis classic, ‘Forever and Ever Amen’ and the Country standard, ‘Don’t Let Me Cross Over’ - covered by Jim Reeves, Dolly Parton, and Jerry Lee Lewis - she failed to make it to next week’s Grand Final.

Disappointed but also so happy

“I’m disappointed, but also so happy I got this far,” she says.

“Everybody is wonderful in this competition, that’s why I don’t feel I’m losing. Everyone has been working so hard, we’re all on the same level, we’re all just starting out, and I’ll be delighted for whoever wins Glór Tíre.”

For Bríd, being on Glór Tire has marked milestones for her, both personally, and in her music career.

“Every week, as the competition went on, I grew in confidence, getting used to the stage, the lighting, the cameras, and each week you’re getting exposure, people getting to know you, people stopping on the street, being very kind, it’s been lovely, just being recognised in Tesco!”

A Huge Learning Curve

“Learning to use social media and posting videos has been a huge learning curve. I didn’t grow up with it, but learning how to promote yourself, the power of social media - all those things are important. It helps people get to know who you are.”

Bowing out of Glór Tíre is not the end for Bríd Shaughnessy, simply the beginning of the next phase of her career as a Country singer.

“The goal and the dream is to record an album. Glor Tíre will be the platform - the new fans I’ve received - it brings me back to life again,” she says.

“Being on Glór Tíre has connected me with people who would not have known me before this. That is the fundamental of what music is about.

“It brings people together, Country Music is that and my passion is Country Music. I want to meet people. I want to sing my songs. I want to make people happy via music.

“Hopefully down the line all this will open more doors.”