‘Queen of country’ marks 50th year in showbusiness

Ireland’s “queen of country music” has invited her fans to join her for a massive party on the Costa del Sol to celebrate her 50 years in the music industry.

Philomena Begley, a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, was speaking in Cork last night where she was honoured for her contribution to the business.

Ms Begley, who celebrated her 70th birthday recently, assured her fans that she has no plans to retire. “I started in the business back in 1962 and thank God, I’m still going strong,” she said.