Despite being only 19-years-old, Derry native Damian McGinty sure has an impressive resume at this point in his life. The former Celtic Thunder crooner has since found a new round of fame after becoming the co-champion of ‘The Glee Project,’ which scored him a guaranteed seven-show stint on the FOX hit. Now, after good reception, his contract has since been extended.

The Derry Journal writes that the young man, despite all his new found fame, has thankfully not lost his nice guy exterior, and remains with his feet firmly planted on the ground.

“I remember saying to him [McGinty’s father] that I thought it was going to be a good year. It turned out not half bad,” said McGinty to The Derry Journal reflecting on the stunning year that 2011 was for him.

Speaking about his first days of filming as the new kid with the Glee gang, McGinty admitted he had nerves going in. “That was a little intimidating,” he said, “The cast have been together for three years. They all know each other really and have really bonded as a cast so coming into that and getting to know them - that was a bit scary.”

Not surprisingly, McGinty made a splendid impression on his new castmates and has since formed close bonds with co-stars Chord Overstreet and Cory Monteith.
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He’s fitting in quite nicely with the girls on set as well commenting that “Just as we finished filming Lea even came up to me and said she was finally beginning to understand what I was saying.”

For his role on the show, McGinty was able to retain his thick Derry accent as he plays an Irish foreign exchange student at McKinley High.

Though working in Hollywood now, McGinty keeps Derry and its people close to his heart.

“Derry have been brilliant. They have been so supportive and it has been incredible for me to know the people of my home town are behind me. I can’t thank the people of Derry enough for putting their support behind me.”

“The entire experience has been remarkable - I have been so incredibly lucky. I’m aware there are a lot of people who could have the same job as me out there.”

McGinty notes that while he’s hopeful to stay with ‘Glee’ for some time, he is still mindful of what the future will bring for him. He remains optimistic for 2012 in that perhaps it could top 2011 for him.

McGinty was home in Derry for the first time in a while to share in the holidays with family and friends.

“It’s brilliant to be home and spend some time with friends and family.”