Jordan McPolin, a 20-year-old singer from Hilltown in County Down, won the grand final of the TG4 country music programme Glór Tíre on 10 March. He became Ireland’s Glór Tíre Country Music Champion for 2026.

McPolin received the public vote after performing songs including Conway Twitty’s ‘Hello Darling’ and ‘Down in Louisiana’. Jimmy Buckley from County Galway served as his mentor on the show.

He is the youngest winner in the competition’s history and the first from County Down. His win follows Paddy Treacy’s victory from Fermanagh last year and Jason McCahill’s from Donegal in 2024.

McPolin stated that the achievement feels like a dream and will take time to fully register. He noted the support from people across County Down, including watch parties and messages urging him to bring the title home to Ulster and the North.

He credited residents of his home county for their backing during the competition. McPolin observed a surge in social media engagement following the win.

Country music maintains a strong presence in Ulster, particularly in Donegal, Tyrone, Fermanagh, and Derry. McPolin said local venues in his area have closed but interest among young people is growing.