South Armagh singer Kerry Fearon is a recent arrival on the circuit. A qualified business studies teacher, Kerry has also taught science and Irish and she graduated with a certificate in theology and lifelong education from Mater Dei Institute in November 2014.

Her entry into the music scene came as a result of one of the saddest times in her life. In June 2012, her father, who was a fine singer and accordion player, was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.

“By September of that year he could no longer speak, so it was heart breaking to watch as he couldn’t sing along when music was being played. He sadly passed away in February 2013 but it was after that when I decided I should do something with my voice.

“I love the country music scene and I travel the country to see the bands. I hadn’t sung in public until my first gig in the Waterfront for two nights at the end of March 2014 supporting Dominic Kirwan and Mary Duff,” says Kerry.

Since then, she has done guest spots on various shows, including some of the Sean Wallace promotions. Her debut single, What Would Dolly Do?, was featured extensively on the country channels. The humourous video, which accompanied the song, also featured Richard Mogey, a brother of Jordan from Ballymoney.

Kerry, who is a finalist in the current Glór Tire series, also enjoys some radio work.

“I am busy with my own radio show on Downtown Country (the new digital station which launched in April 2015) which goes out every night at 10pm and features only Irish country music, so I am familiar with the latest releases and I support as many artists as I can. I am delighted to be part of the country scene and really enjoy performing on stage,” says Kerry.

Month’s Mind Mass for Gene

The Month’s Mind Mass for Gene Stuart will be celebrated in Aughnagar Chapel in Co Tyrone on 11 March at 8pm. Gene was one of Ireland’s all-time country legends and had an enduring following all over the country.