The talented 26-year-old Beaufort native secured his place in the final following a standout performance in Tuesday night’s semi-final programme. Performing Dr Hook’s The Sweetest Of All alongside Johnny McAvoy’s Runaround Angel, Coffey won over viewers at home to claim the public vote and progress to the final stage of the competition.

“You’ll never beat an old song,” says Paudie of his choices, “and on the road, doing gigs with my dad, we do those songs, and they always go down well. I’m bringing out a new single, my version of ‘Runaround Angel, so hopefully people will like my version of that.”

Although Kerry is not traditionally associated with the country music scene, Coffey has developed a strong reputation through years of performing across dancehalls and venues throughout Munster. His experience on the road has helped him build a growing and loyal following.

“The support from Kerry has been massive,” he says. “Buses were coming up to Connemara last night, where the show is filmed, and I’ve been getting support from outside Kerry as well. I’m very lucky. It has been incredible.”

The upcoming Grand Final, which will be broadcast live on TG4 on Tuesday, March 10 at 9.30pm, will see Coffey compete against Jordan McPolin from Down and Dee Morrissey from Tipperary for the title of Ireland’s Glór Tíre Country Music Champion 2026.

Despite the pressure of the occasion, Coffey said he is focused simply on delivering his best performance.

“I’m absolutely over the moon to be in the final,” he says. “If I can just do my best, that’s all I can do. I’ve nothing to lose.”

Participation in the popular television series has already proved beneficial for the young performer, bringing increased exposure and new professional opportunities.

“The main thing out of Glór Tíre will be the exposure and the experience,” he says. “Already the phone is absolutely hopping. Paul Claffey rang me to be part of a big gig in the Gleneagle in February, and I’m doing a show with Gerry Guthrie in West Cork in a couple of weeks’ time. These are the gigs to be getting. And that’s all out of Glór Tíre.”

The Glór Tíre Grand Final will be presented by Aoife Ní Thuairisg. Resident judges Jó Ní Chéide and Caitríona Ní Shuilleabháin will be joined on the night by Sunday World journalist Eddie Rowley as guest judge.