BRIAN ‘Tex’ Deegan, from Caherconlish, has earned his musical spurs by reached the semi-finals of TG4’s long running, hit Country and Irish music series, Glór Tíre.
The semi-finals will be broadcast on February 7 and 14 at 9.30pm, with Tex performing on both nights. The show is presented by Aoife Ní Thuairsig and Séamus Ó Scanláin.
While Tex has had a lifelong interest in music, his nickname comes from a childhood interest in horses and “wanting to be a jockey”.
“There was a riding school near us, and as children we were there all the time,” he says. “It came from the cowboy thing – the cowboy films and that being popular at the time – and from being around the horses. It was Texas for years, then it got shortened to Tex. It’s stuck since I was seven.”
Eventually, Tex’s love of music won over his equine interests. Initially Tex worked as a roadie with friend’s bands, before deciding to step onto the stage himself.
“It’s a great opportunity,” says Tex. “I’m delighted to be on Glór Tíre as it is not everyday you are asked to be on television.”