Philomena Begley
About
Irish country music pioneer whose transatlantic touring brought distinctive Irish sensibility to Nashville circuits.
Philomena Begley navigated Irish country music’s complex geography—where a distinctly Irish aesthetic evolved within and against Nashville country’s gravitational pull. Born October 20, 1942 in Pomeroy, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, Begley ascended from shirt factory work through ceilidh band participation (Country Flavour, which she eventually left in 1974) to international touring circuit prominence. Her 1975 duet partnership with Ray Lynam established her within Irish country’s collaborative traditions; subsequent US touring (including a pivotal 1977 debut tour) and 1978 Grand Ole Opry appearance positioned her within transatlantic country networks. A 1980 Carnegie Hall performance and New York St. Patrick’s Day parade participation demonstrated her command of high-profile venues alongside traditional Irish cultural events.
- · Born October 20, 1942 in Pomeroy, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland
- · Joined ceilidh band Country Flavour
- · Left Country Flavour 1974, formed The Rambling Men
- · Duet partner with Ray Lynam from 1975
- · US tour debut 1977
- · Grand Ole Opry performance 1978
- · Carnegie Hall performance and NYC St. Patrick’s Day participation
Albums 46
Album
Ireland's Queen of Country
My Elusive Dreams
2002
Once Around The Dance Floor
2007
Silver Anniversary Album
1988
Irish Velvet
2007
The Way Old Friends Do
2006
Village In Country Tryone
2005
Red Is The Rose
2004
Songs Of Praise - 21 Inspirational Songs
1999
Irish Favourites
1998
Emerald Gems
1995
Dreams Of Ireland 22 Songs Of Home
1994
16 All-Time Favourites
1993
16 Country Classics
1993
When Irish Eyes Are Smiling
1992
In Harmony
1991
Reflections
1990
Roses Are Red, Violets Are Blue
1989
Classic Irish Country
1989
Dreams Of Ireland
1989
The Irish Collection : Classic Colleens
1989
Emerald Classics Vol II
1988
Emerald Classics
1988
More About Love
1987
More Green Velvet
1985
Fire Of Two Old Flames
1985
Simply Divine
1985
You're In My Heart
1984
A Musical View Of Ireland
1981
Philomena's Country
1980
Fireside Country
1979
We Love To Sing
1979
Irish Startime (Favourite Irish Songs)
1978
Truckin' Queen
1977
Irish Country Queen
1976
Blanket On The Ground / You Never Were Mine
1975
Blanket On The Ground
1975
Meet The Queen Of Country Music
1974
What's Your Mama's Name
1974
The Two Of Us
1973
20 Stars Of Ireland
1973
Truck Drivin' Woman
1972
Together...Again!
0
Ireland's Leading Ladies Of Country Music
0
Rose Of Tralee & Other Golden Irish Favourites
0
One Love At A Time
0
Singles 1
Live 1
You're The One I Can't Live Without
1973
Compilations 2
Ireland's Greatest Hits
1988
The Best Of Philomena Begley
1979
Appears On 15
Ireland's Finest
Simply Irish
If I Knew
When Irish Eyes Are Smiling (UK)
A Little Bit of Irish Country
All Ireland’s Favourite Showbands and Showstoppers
Go Country for Bosnia
Golden Memories: 20 Old Time Favourites
Ireland’s Finest (disc 1)
Irish Country Songs
Irish Eyes
Lunation
My Heart Is In Ireland - 18 Memories From The Emerald Isle
The Louisiana Man: Early Hits
Waltzing With Me
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