'A true original': Tributes following the death of Irish singer Cat Dowling
Cat Dowling was originally from Carnlough Road in Cabra, Dublin, and later lived on Newrath Road, Ferrybank, Co Kilkenny.
Following the recent death of Glen Hansard, the Irish music community is mourning the loss of another much-loved artist in Cat Dowling.
The Kilkenny-born, Dublin-based musician, whose distinctive voice and darkly atmospheric songs earned decades of acclaim across the Irish music scene, died peacefully on August 7 in the care of staff at St Francis Hospice, Blanchardstown.
She was 54.
Dowling was originally from Carnlough Road in Cabra, Dublin, and later lived on Newrath Road, Ferrybank, Co Kilkenny.
According to her death notice, she was predeceased by her father Richard (Dick). She is survived by her children Rachel, Ódhran and Juliette, their father Brian, her mother Máirín, sister Anne Marie, brothers Padraic, Donal, Richard and John, and her extended family and friends.
She will repose at Power's Funeral Home, Ferrybank, on Tuesday, August 11, from 2.30pm, with removal at 6pm to the Sacred Heart Church, Ferrybank. Requiem Mass will take place on Wednesday, August 12, at 1pm, after which she will be laid to rest in Glenmore Cemetery.
Dowling first came to prominence in the 2000s as frontwoman with bands including Babelfish and Alphastates.
Her debut solo album, , was released to critical acclaim in 2013. The title track gained an international audience after being featured in the television series and .
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Dowling went on to release further solo material, earning praise for her intimate songwriting and haunting vocals. In 2021, she released her 11-track album . Produced by Gerry Horan, with Dowling serving as co-producer, the album showcased the Kilkenny native's talent for crafting emotionally resonant songs.
Over the years, her music reached audiences far beyond Ireland, while she also contributed vocals to a variety of collaborative projects, including working with Emmy-winning actress Viola Davis for music connected to the hit US television drama .
Tributes from fellow musicians, broadcasters and promoters have poured in since news of her death emerged.
The Stunning described her as "a true original" and "another huge loss to the Irish music community".
They said: "She was a true original. Deepest sympathies to her family and friends. She is another huge loss to the Irish music community.
"If you don’t know her music check it out on all the streaming platforms. She opened for us in Kilkenny a few years back. her last album is superb. Rest in peace Catherine, you can play some tunes with Glen."
Producer and musician Peter Vogelaar remembered Dowling as "a gentle giving soul and a unique talent".
"The first recording session I did with Cat was in Temple Bar. Although we grew up beside each other we hadn’t really spoken in 25 years or so. I had sent her the demo weeks earlier, and of course she rang the night before asking for the chords so she could put something together, which made me nervous! But that was Cat, and I needn’t have worried."
Broadcaster John Barker, presenter of the long-running all-Irish music programme , described Dowling as "a talented songwriter whose voice I loved".
"I interviewed her several times over the years. Always great fun. Always passionate about her music and music in general," he wrote.
Cork promoter Eddie Kiely said he was "deeply saddened" by the loss of the singer.
"Cat brought so much warmth, passion, and beautiful energy to everything she touched. You will be greatly missed," he said.
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