Singer-songwriter Cat Dowling dies aged 54

Singer-songwriter Cat Dowling has died at the age of 54, her family announced. Dowling had been suffering from a long-term illness. Her passing marks the loss of a distinctive voice in the Irish music scene.

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a warrior for love

Dowling, who was born in Ferrybank, Co Kilkenny, and raised in Dublin, gained prominence with the band Babelfish, which later evolved into Alphastates. The group released their debut album, "Made From Sand," in 2004. In recent times, she released a version of The Pogues' "A Rainy Night in Soho," which was featured in the Department of Foreign Affairs' St. Patrick's Day campaign. She also participated in the Dublin launch of Rock Against Homelessness in January, an event supporting Focus Ireland.

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a gentle soul, humble and generous to a fault

Musicians and industry figures remembered Dowling for her talent and character. Jerry Fish described her as "a warrior for love" and "a gentle soul, humble and generous to a fault." The band The Stunning expressed their sadness, calling her "a true original." Whelan's music venue acknowledged the honor of hosting her performances, both with Alphastates and as a solo artist. Niall Stokes, editor of Hot Press, lauded her as "a wonderful singer and frontwoman" and "a hugely original musician."

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so saddened

Dowling was the daughter of the late Fine Gael county councillor and TD for Carlow-Kilkenny, Dick Dowling. She is survived by her three children, Rachel, Ódhran, and Juliette, their father Brian, her mother Máirín, a sister, and four brothers. Her funeral arrangements include a wake on Tuesday, August 11th, at Power's Funeral Home, followed by a requiem mass on Wednesday, August 12th, at The Sacred Heart Church in Ferrybank. She will be laid to rest in Glenmore Cemetery.

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a true original