The easy crossover between country and traditional music manifests itself in numerous ways on both TG4 and Raidió na Gaeltachta, where both genres enjoy much popularity with viewers and listeners.

An Bóthar go Nashville (The Road to Nashville) is the title of a one-hour show that goes out every Monday night from 9pm to 10pm on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta. The programme is hosted by Connemara native Jo Ní Chéide, and is proving a real winner on the station. Jo is delighted with the response.

“I play a real mix of country, from old style to gospel, to bluegrass. I love artists such as Conway Twitty, Hank Williams, Bobby Bare, Merle Haggard and George Jones.

“I grew up listening to a variety of Irish country artists, such as Mick Flavin, John Hogan, Martin Cuffe, Jimmy Buckley and many more. My family has been immersed in the country music tradition and my aunts over in Boston love so many of the Irish country singers.

“They tune in online to a good few of the Irish radio stations that feature country music shows and they always love to hear many of the older singers and the songs they have loved down through the years. It connects them in a special way with Connemara and Galway.

“Last Monday night I featured Mick Flavin, John Hogan and Paddy O’Brien, who are celebrating 30 years in country music. Most weeks it’s a nice blend from both sides of the Atlantic.”

Outside of An Bóthar go Nashville, Jo presents various other shows on Raidió na Gaeltachta and she is also a judge on Glór Tíre on TG4.

She is married to Stiofán and they have three children, Éamonn, Máire and Páidí. The family reside in Sruthán, An Cheathrú Rua.

Check out An Bóthar go Nashville on Monday nights on Raidió na Gaeltachta. CL