Local station LMFM have this week launched a brand new country music show “The Country Express”.
The show, presented by Darren Mahon, will feature all the best in Irish and American Country music and promises to have something for everyone, playing “Today’s Best Country with Yesterday’s Favourites” five nights a week.
Darren (30), from Athboy Co. Meath, first began broadcasting with LMFM in 2004. Speaking ahead of the launch of ‘Country Express’, he said: “I really can’t believe we’ve got country music back on LMFM five nights a week – there is a huge appetite for what we have to offer on the show and I really can’t wait to get started!’ He continued ‘I’m also delighted that many locally talented country music artists will now have a regular home on LMFM. For me though, it’s important that we get the best of what is out there, because I know our listeners; and they deserve and expect that”.
LMFM last had a weekday country music show in 2006 which was presented by Dermot Finglas. Dermot is still presenting with LMFM and can be found presenting his own country show on Sunday afternoons and will continue to do so.
Darren continued: “I remember listening to Dermot growing up. This was well before online streaming and it was Dermot who was bringing us all the latest and greatest from Nashville. I suppose it was his show that really allowed me to develop my passion for country music”.
On the introduction of ‘Country Express’ to the LMFM schedule, Programme Director Eamonn Doyle said: “The country music scene has seen a real rejuvenation in the past while. The feedback I am getting from our listeners is that there is real demand for a show like this in the region”.
Speaking about presenter Darren Mahon, Mr Doyle said: “I know Darren has what it takes to deliver the right sound our listeners expect. He knows the Irish music scene really well, and is no stranger to the big American country artists; having seen Rascal Flatts & Lady Antebellum perform in recent times. More recently though, Darren flew to Chicago to catch Garth Brooks play!”
‘Country Express’ will run each weekday evening from 8pm to 9pm. Darren will also present ‘The American Country Countdown’, giving listeners a rundown of the top ten country songs from the States every Friday.