Magherafelt teen launches 'Sounds of the 32' showcasing Ireland’s counties through music

Posting as @SoundsLikeJack on Facebook and Instagram, 15-year-old Jack has launched ‘Sounds of the 32,’ a musical journey inspired by the traditions, places, and people that shape Irish identity.

The St Pius X College student performs on banjo, guitar, and bodhrán - the first instrument he learned - and moves easily between traditional Irish tunes and the rock influences he grew up hearing.

His videos range from The Rakish Paddy on banjo to The Fields of Athenry on acoustic guitar, and even Crazy Train on electric.

Jack often includes the people around him: his sister joins him for vocals, his younger brother plays the bodhrán, and friends step in on accordion. Sometimes he plays both parts himself, harmonising banjo and guitar in one reel.

For ‘Sounds of the 32,’ Jack invited followers to suggest a song for each county.

Much to his surprise and delight the responses from the public came quickly, stretching from The Hills of Donegal in the far northwest to The Banks of My Own Lovely Lee in Cork.

He plans to perform the most popular choice for each county. He has already posted: TheTown I Loved So Well by internationally renowned musician and songwriter Phil Coulter, in which he pays tribute to his home town Derry/Londonderry.

Jack credits a member of his extended family with the project.

"Eilish does business studies and she gave me the idea of ‘Sounds of the 32’,” he explained.

Jack has been studying music since the age of five.

“My biggest influences are The Whistlin’ Donkeys and AC/DC, as I have been brought up with both of them. Yet my granda, Patrick, would be the main reason I started playing,” he added.

As communities prepare for St Patrick’s Day, Jack’s project offers a chance to revisit the songs that connect families, counties, and generations.

His videos can be found on Facebook and Instagram at @SoundsLikeJack, where he continues to take suggestions from all over Ireland and beyond.