20-year-old Aishling Rafferty crowned winner of Glór Tíre

Aishling Rafferty, a 20-year-old from Tipperary, was last night announced as the winner of the TG4 country music talent competition Glór Tíre.

The Roscrea singer won the public vote in the live grand final, overcoming tough competition from Ballinasloe's Rachel Goode and Donegal's Kenny Crawford to claim the €5,000 prize.

"I'm absolutely over the moon," said Aishling when interviewed after the final.

"It's a huge achievement for me. It was a dream of mine all my life even to get on Glór Tíre, so to win it is just mind-blowing."

In Ballinasloe and Athlone, local interest centered on Rachel Goode, the gifted soprano who performed excellent versions of country classics Your Cheatin' Heart and Blanket On The Ground during the final.

Afterwards, Rachel thanked everyone who had taken the time to vote for her.

"I'm so sorry it wasn't the outcome we wanted, but I'm so grateful for all your support," she said. "I had such a fantastic time on the show and enjoyed every second on that stage.

"I want to wish Aishling Rafferty a massive congratulations on her win - a lovely girl and family. It has been a pleasure getting to know her and her family throughout this journey. I know she will do great things!"

The Ballinasloe singer also thanked her mentor, Mike Denver, and his management team for the opportunity to appear on the show.

"I have lots more music coming, so I hope this is just the start for me in my country career," she said.

With the return of live shows, Rachel has a number of concert performances coming up.

This Sunday, February 27, she will be singing at the Michael Commins Concert Show in the Clayton Hotel, Galway.

She and some of the other Glór Tíre contestants will then be performing in Borrisokane on Monday, March 7, and in Ballinasloe on Wednesday, March 8.

"Other things are in the pipeline too - hopefully the year ahead will be a good one!" said Rachel.