Derry's Marty Breslin pairs with Michael English for Glór Tíre 2026

For Derry's Marty Breslin, music and medicine are two sides of the same coin - both dedicated to human connection and healing. A final-year nursing student at Ulster University, Marty has spent his training witnessing how a song can offer comfort to patients in their most vulnerable moments.

Now, the Derry native and rising Country & Irish star is ready to bring that same empathy to a national stage, as he is set to compete on the 22nd season of Glór Tíre.

Marty is now about to take the next major step in a career defined by heart, health, and harmony by appearing on Glór Tíre on Tuesday, February 3 at 9.30pm.

Broadcast on Irish language TV station TG4, and enjoying a devoted viewership on both sides of the border, Glór Tíre is regarded as essential to the lifeblood of the Country scene in Ireland and as a vital platform for new and emerging artists.

“Glór Tíre is the perfect opportunity to develop, show who I am, and get my name out there,” says Marty. “I've done a few shows with big audiences, but this is on TV. This is a different level. Hopefully it's only the start of greater things.”

Marty is one of eight contestants vying for the prestigious title of Ireland’s Glor Tire Country Music Champion 2026. Contestants will be mentored throughout the series by a leading figure in the Country & Irish scene, and Marty's mentor will be one of his musical heroes - Michael English.

“When I found out Michael was my mentor, I was buzzing. The majority of the songs I would sing at my shows are Michael English songs. I just love his approach. He's been very helpful already, focusing on my development.”

On Glór Tíre, Marty will perform ‘Tipperary Girl’, written by Billy O’Dwyer Bob and made famous by Daniel O’Donnell and duet with Michael English, on Michael’s own number, ‘Friday At The Dance’. “I had to bring in a Michael song,” says Marty. “It's a jiving song, a song about connection, and it gets the audience going.”

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The connection and solace provided by music are important to Marty as he brings these qualities into his nursing studies and his work with patients.

“Nursing and music are both focused on the person,” he says. “I've used Music Therapy and Reminiscence Therapy in my nursing, bringing it into different care homes and different facilities, sharing music, and I’ve seen how it actually helps people heal, and how beneficial exposure to music can be for patients who suffer with dementia. It's been great for them.”

Also appearing on the show is Co Offaly singer, Megan O’Hara. Glór Tíre is presented by Aoife Ní Thuairisg and produced by Galway-based company, Gael Media. Jó Ní Chéide and Caitriona Ní Shuilleabháin return as resident judges. The guest judge will be singer and RSVP Country editor, Trudi Lalor.

For more information see www.tg4.ie and follow @glortire on social media for all of the latest news and updates.