Farmer’s son by day, a sean nós drag queen by night

Tina D Parton (27) leads a double life – farmer’s son by day, seven-foot drag queen by night. Born Thomas Connolly in Co Laois, Tina is probably the world’s only sean nós-dancing drag queen, and has performed all over Ireland as well as in Canada, Spain and the US over the last six years. Irish Country Living catches up with Tina to chat all things music and glamour.

1. How did a rural childhood shape you?

I’m a proud culchie – born, bred, and buttered in the heart of the Midlands, between Laois and Offaly. I was raised in Ballyfin, Co Laois, in a hard-working farming family.

My father ran our dry-stock farm and worked in pig farming. He’s one of the most dedicated and loving men. I know his work ethic shaped not only our family’s livelihood but also our values. I often helped out on the farm, although the farming life didn’t quite spark a calling in me.

My mother, on the other hand, brought creativity into our home. Artistic by nature, she had a gift for creating beauty from nothing – through horticulture, flower-arranging, and more. From her, I inherited a love for art and music. In fact, her flair for fixing and crafting things has come in handy more than once.

I was born with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyspraxia – what I now affectionately call ‘the drag queen’s 3Ds’. But thanks to the dedication of my parents, I received the educational support I needed.

A key figure in my journey was Frances Harney, an incredible educator who worked with me in primary school. She introduced me to her speech and drama school in Ballyfin, an experience that awakened the performer inside me.

2. What’s your first musical memory?

Music was ever-present in my childhood. My father and grandfather would sing folk songs coming in from the fields – although they’d only remember one verse and one chorus, which they’d repeat until it was stuck in our heads! It’s something I now fondly associate with rural life.

My maternal grandparents had an ever-rotating soundtrack, playing Rod Stewart, Tina Turner, and Irish country classics. I have vivid memories of watching Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton on the television with them. These artists became staples of my early musical palate.

As I got older, music became more than a backdrop – it became part of my identity. My parents often played The High Kings, and I knew every word. A chance meeting later gave me the opportunity to join them on stage to perform Whiskey in the Jar. That moment didn’t just fulfil a dream – it changed my career.

3. When did you start sean nós dancing?

My sean nós journey began at NUI Galway while studying Irish Studies. Each year, the department invited a sean nós master to lead workshops on traditional singing and dancing. Sean nós literally translates to old style – a deeply expressive and improvised art form characterised by percussive, low-to-the-ground footwork.

After my initial introduction through Pádraig Ó hOibicín, I met the incredible Sarah Ghriallais, a legend in the sean nós world. We became great friends, and she invited me into her home in Connemara, where she nurtured my love for the craft.

I began busking during college and incorporated sean nós dancing into my performances. It opened doors to collaborate with musicians on the streets and eventually on stage with acts like The High Kings, Declan Nerney, Olivia Douglas, and more.

4. How difficult was it to come out as gay and a drag queen?

Coming out was a deeply personal journey – and in many ways, I made it more difficult for myself. Raised in a traditional Catholic family, I had internalised certain expectations of what my life ‘should’ look like. I was the last to recognise what was in front of me.

I’ve always embodied what people might call ‘camp’ – playful, expressive, and theatrical. By 21, with the support of friends, I found the courage to come out to my family. Thankfully, they embraced me wholeheartedly and have stood by me every step of the way – even attending shows and welcoming my chosen family.

The real struggle was in my own head – battling imagined fears that never came true. I’m grateful for my family’s support, knowing many don’t have the same experience.

5. Is there a better level of acceptance today?

Yes, I believe acceptance has improved, but I can only speak from my own experience. As I travel around Ireland, I see growing visibility and engagement with LGBTQ+ communities. However, full equality means more than tolerance – it’s about understanding and celebrating difference.

What still needs to change? Greater education, especially in rural communities, and more representation. Drag, queerness, and artistic expression need to be seen not as novelties but as integral parts of modern Irish culture.

6. For those unfamiliar with drag acts, how would you describe it?

Drag is a powerful form of performance art where individuals play with and exaggerate gender norms – often in theatrical, musical, and comedic ways. It spans drag queens (typically men performing femininity) and drag kings (typically women performing masculinity).

While drag might seem modern, it has deep roots – dating back to ancient Greece and the all-male casts of Shakespearean theatre. In recent decades, we’ve seen drag icons from Robin Williams in Mrs Doubtfire to Divine in Hairspray to Ireland’s own Panti Bliss.

7. What inspired your name?

Tina D Parton is a tribute to two queens: Tina Turner and Dolly Parton. Both have inspired me with their resilience, showmanship, and iconic music.

8. How long does it take to become your drag character?

Transforming into Tina D Parton takes about 90 minutes to two hours. It’s a full process – from shaving and prepping the skin to laying foundation and building layers of contour, powder, and detail. Like building a house: you start with a foundation, then add structure, detail, and polish.

9. Tell us about your act. Who inspires you?

My act is a mix of old-school charm and modern energy. Think Mae West’s sass, Tina Turner’s fire, Dolly Parton’s heart, and my grandmother’s humour – all served with a twist of Irish comedy and sean nós dance. I’m inspired by performers like Robin Williams, whose portrayal of Mrs Doubtfire was both heartfelt and hilarious. I’m inspired by legendary drag artists like Danny La Rue and Mr Pussy, trailblazers in drag.

10. What has been your most unusual gig?

Every gig has its surprises, but one of the most memorable was a hen party – without the hen! The bride had food poisoning and slept through the whole show. So, after entertaining the guests, we brought the speaker into her room and performed a few numbers around her bed so she could say she was part of it!

I’ve had bridesmaids dislocate ankles mid-dance, exes show up unannounced, and even performed in former churches. No two shows are ever the same.

11. What’s your biggest goal for the year ahead?

Professionally, I want to continue touring and bringing my show to new audiences. I’d love to further integrate Irish music, sean nós, and drag on a national stage.

Personally, I hope to find my significant other and set down roots somewhere that feels like home. I trust the journey – good things come to those who wait.

Right now, I’m proud to be a culchie who lives the double life: farmer’s son by day, seven-foot drag queen by night [every Wednesday at bingo in Paddy Brown’s Waterford].

See @tinad.parton on Instagram.