Childhood dream becomes reality

Knockshegowna’s Aishling Raffety wins Glór Tíre song contest

Knockshegowna singer Aishling Rafferty is celebrating national success after winning TG4's Glór Tíre song contest.

Aishling (20) was crowned winner at the final stage of the popular TV series last Tuesday week after gaining popularity with her performances over the preceding three weeks. The country music singer, mentored by Portumna luminary of the scene Mike Denver, had long harboured an ambition to feature in Glór Tíre. She spoke of her “great pride and shock” at winning the competition, which also featured Borrisokane singer Colin Kenny.

“I cannot begin to express my sincere feelings of thanks to all of you, both near and far, who have made my childhood dream become reality,” Aishling wrote on her Facebook page.

Her prize for winning Glór Tíre includes €5,000 towards recording her first album and a trip to Portugal to perform on stage with Mike Denver. The former Borrisokane Community College student, now studying Voice at the World Academy of Music and Dance at University of Limerick, took the opportunity to thank everyone who voted for her on Glór Tíre.

“I am beyond grateful for your support throughout this whole journey and it means more to me than any of you will ever know.”

Hailing from a musical family in Knockshegowna, one of Aishling’s earliest memories is of her father John playing guitar and leading singalongs in the family home. She thanked all of her family, friends, supporters and well-wishers for their support on what she described as an “incredible journey”. “Finally, I’d like to thank my mentor Mike Denver and his manager Willy Carty for giving me this once in a lifetime opportunity... Once again, thank you, everyone from the bottom of my heart for helping me achieve my childhood dream, and I hope to continue my country singing career entertaining you all for many years to come!”