Marc presents new TV series 'Opry an Íuir'

This Autumn Big Mountain Productions and TG4 present the biggest acts in country music in the intimate setting of the Old Town Hall in Newry. 
From rising stars such as Mike Denver and Nathan Carter to the greatest acts in the business Sandy Kelly and Mike Flavin, to favourites Dominic Kirwan and Hugo Duncan, the show has it all.  In an all-time first, each star gives a unique performance in Irish dueting with a special guest. Recorded in front of a live audience, mixing archive, testimonials from fans and chat, the stars perform their country favourites. 
MC Marc Roberts – a performer in his own right, hosts the show.

Along with great performances the series gives a never seen before insight into the artists’ careers:  From Sandy Kelly receiving a phone call from Johnny Cash in a pirate radio station to Mike Flavin initially declining Declan Nerney’s request to record songs.

Back stage, Lynette Fay chats with ‘superfans’ and celebrity fans of each artist; Raidió na Gaeltachta’s presenters Josie Ó Cualáin and Jo Ní Chéide amongst them.

Opry an Iúir brings the essence of Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry to Newry.

6 X 1 hour series: 
WEDNESDAYS 10.30PM TG4 from 19th September 2012.
Repeated each Saturday night from 22nd

If you want to follow the show on use the #OPRY  ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Opry an Iúir 
Prog 1: Mike Denver
Wednesday 10.30pm 19th September 2012

The first episode of the series sees Galway boy, Mike Denver delight the audience with hits such as ‘Pay me my Money Down’ and ‘Galway Girl’. We hear from Tequila Tíre presenter Josie Ó Cualáin on what makes Mike appealing to fans. He’s joined by special guest, Deirdre Bonner from Donegal, for a duet of the song ‘Ar Érinn Ní Neosfainn Cé Hí’.

 

 

Opry an Iúir 
Prog 2: Sandy Kelly
Wednesday 10.30pm 26th September 2012

The second week has Nashville and West End star, Sandy Kelly gives a one off special performance and speaks about meeting Johnny Cash and their friendship that followed. It also sees the Sligo native perform ‘Scuabtha le Gaoth’ with Eurovision winner Charlie McGettigan.

 

 

Opry an Iúir 
Prog 3: Nathan Carter
Wednesday 10.30pm 3rd October 2012

A rising star of country music, the handsome former choirboy Nathan Carter returns to the hometown of his mother to perform and meet fans. He sings the Scottish folk ballad ‘Caledonia’ and is also joined by Sarah-Louise McFadden for an Irish rendition of the ‘Buachaill ón Eirne.’

 

 

Opry an Iúir 
Prog 4: Dominic Kirwan
Wednesday 10.30pm 10th October 2012

Country favourite and rally driver Dominic Kirwan gets the crowd going with his dance moves and performances of ‘Suspicious Minds’ and ‘The Wonder of You’.  One of his favourite collaborators, Louise Morrissey joins him on stage for a rendition her song ‘Slán Abhaile’.

 

 

Opry an Iúir 
Prog 5: Hugo Duncan
Wednesday 10.30pm 17th October 2012

Hugo Duncan’s name is synonymous with country music after 40 years in the business. The BBC Radio Ulster presenter brings audience participation to a new level with his rendition of ‘Ring of Fire’ and talks about the newcomers in country music. meets some of his loyal fans. Donegal’s Seamus McGee joins him to perform a duet in Irish of his Seamus McGee’s hit ‘Ná Lig dom Trasnú’.

 

 

Opry an Iúir 
Prog 6: Mick Flavin
Wednesday 10.30pm 24th October 2012
Carpenter turned country music sensation Mick Flavin takes to the stage, celebrating 25 years in the business. We learn how his two kids have never heard him sing as they were both born deaf and how Declan Nerney gave him a helping hand into the industry. He is joined on stage by special guest, Beairtle Ó Domhnaill, to give their version of ‘Péigín Leitir Móir’.