Newest County Derry singing sensation wows country music lovers with his melodic tones

An up-and-coming singer from County Derry has proved a hit with country music fans after he performed at the recent 2026 Northern Ireland Country Music Awards (NICMA'S).

A host of leading country artists came together for the awards ceremony which was held at Corick Country House Hotel & Spa in Clogher, County Tyrone, on February 2.

Derek Ryan and Cliona Hagan made special appearances at the event, joining a strong line-up that included guest performances from Sandy Kelly, Louise Morrissey, Claudia Buckley and Stacey Breen.

Eamon McCann, Justin McGurk, Richie Remo and Barry Kirwan also took to the stage on the night.

Newcomer Jason Irwin, from Dungiven, sang a fantastic rendition of the George Jones classic 'She Thinks I Still Care' which instantly had the audience in awe of the melodic tones and stage presence of the young artist.

The audience showed their appreciation to the 24 year-old trainee solicitor with a well-earned standing ovation.

The invite to sing at the prestigious event came about after organisers came across a short video on social media of the north Derry man singing.

Jason has always had a deep passion for singing and performing from a very young age. 

At eight years-old he was already playing the guitar and singing at home alongside accomplished musician and Feeny man Joe McNamee, before finally going out and making his public debut on stage at 16 years-old.

The vocally and musically theatre trained singer excelled when he attended both the Ulster School of Music and the Causeway School of Music. He also joined several local choirs to gain experience and hone his talent. 

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From a family of country music lovers, it was inevitable that Jason is very much influenced by some of the greats and classics of Nashville, but the versatile singer is also as comfortable performing the hits of the big band and Irish showband era. 

In 2025 Jason was convinced to sing at his first ever solo concert in Garvagh to a full house of enthusiastic music fans.

Jason has already been inundated since his performance at the NICMA'S from venues, media and radio stations from all over Ireland and the UK.

He's currently planning on and looking forward to recording and releasing some new songs and also taking selective gigs as work permits.