The Opry shows on TG4 have a new home this season. After five years in Newry, the current series was recorded in the city where the Foyle waters flow. Opry Dhoire is hosted by Daniel O’Donnell and Lynette Fay and all associated with the venture are thrilled with how things have turned out after a hectic week in Derry.

“It was a privilege to present the Opry Dhoire this year. We had a wonderful welcome from everybody in the Millennium Forum. I am sure viewers will enjoy every show, with singers who span the decades from the ’60s right up the present day. We have a really lovely blend of artists this season and there was a great buzz to the shows here in Derry,” says Daniel O’Donnell.

Recorded in front of a live audience, mixing profiles, archive material and engaging comments from their biggest fans, Opry Dhoire brings the essence of Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry to Derry.

The series got underway last Tuesday night (7 November) with a special tribute show to the late Larry Cunningham from Co Longford. Philomena Begley, Hugo Duncan, Declan Nerney and Mike Denver came together on stage to celebrate Larry’s life, achievements and his contribution to Irish country music throughout his long career.

They were joined by members of the Cunningham family from down Granard way for this lovely tribute to Larry. Patrick Connolly was the Irish language singer and he did a duet with Declan Nerney. Tom Gilmore from Tuam, who compiled the book on Larry, was also among the contributors.

The second show goes out next Tuesday night, 14 November, at 9.30pm. The Latest Sensations (Na Réalta Óga) turned the spotlight on the young emerging stars of the country scene here at home. Daniel is joined by Jordan Mogey, Ben Troy, Gráinne Gavigan, Richie Remo, and Shane Owens for this special feature on Opry nights. Gráinne Gavigan joins Emma Ní Fhíoruisce for a wonderful rendition of Songbird as Gaeilge and also entertains the audience with her solo Irish songs.

Mick Flavin is the centre of attention on Tuesday week, 21 November. The show will celebrate Mick’s 30 years on the Irish country circuit and he will be joined by special guest Mary Duff. Caitríona Ní Cheannabháin from Connemara returns to the Opry stage to duet with Mick and perform some of her favourite songs in Irish.

The fourth show in Opry Dhoire (28 November 28) features Una Healy (of the band The Saturdays) returning to her country roots. She will perform tracks from her new country album, The Waiting Game. Moya Brennan of Clannad joins Una on stage to perform a song, and Una and Daniel perform a special duet.

John McNicholl and Niamh Lynn team up to headline the fifth show of the series on 5 December. They will perform a variety of country classics and this show will also feature special guest Ciara McCrickard for a moving performance of Óró sé do bheatha ‘bhaile.

Nostalgia will be much to the fore for Opry with the stars on 12 December. Brian Coll, Frankie McBride, Dickie Rock and Susan McCann each have their own quarter on this night as they perform some of their favourite songs from over the years. Seoirse Ó Dochartaigh from Donegal joins them on stage to perform as Gaeilge.

The second last show in the series (19 December) will focus on country duets. Daniel O’Donnell will lead the way and will also perform some of his best-known songs that have been translated specially into the Irish language for the shows.

The Opry Dhoire series ends with the Big Tom celebration starring the legendary Tom McBride himself. This special show will be broadcast on St Stephen’s night (26 December). Big Tom performs some of his greatest hits, including Gentle Mother, Let Me Go To Texas, Going Out The Same Way You Came In, One More Christmas With You, and Four Country Roads.

Kayla McDonagh from Connemara will be appearing as Big Tom’s special guest. The show also features inserts from chats with Big Tom in the family home in Oram and some close friends of the country king.

• The Opry Dhoire shows go out on TG4 at 9.30pm on Tuesday nights. Opry Dhoire is produced by Big Mountain Productions for TG4 with funding from the Irish Language Broadcast Fund. CL