Philomena

To reflect on her life, influence and legacy she sat down with Fr Brian D'Arcy as part of a new series, Irish Music Icons, on BBC Radio Ulster.

She sang four songs a night with the band after her day working in the hat factory. Here she rubbed shoulders with the stars of global country music and even received a standing ovation for her performance of Blanket on the Ground. In 1975, Philomena was granted permission to record her own version of Blanket on the Ground from US country music star Billie Jo Spears. On the road, she became "one of the lads", living a life with precarious conditions, limited changing facilities and few female companions. Philomena accidentally entered the world of country music at a local dance, when she was called on stage as a dare to sing a song with the Old Cross Céilí Band. An unrivalled interpreter of country music who has delighted audiences on stages all over the world and collaborated with country greats like Porter Wagoner and Billie Jo Spears.