10 Facts About Philomena Begley

Philomena Begley was born on 20 October 1942 and is a country music singer from Northern Ireland.

In 2020, Philomena Begley became the first lady to be inducted into ICMA Hall Of Fame.

Today, Philomena Begley is affectionately known as 'The Queen of Country'.

Philomena Begley was born and grew up in Pomeroy, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, and worked in a hat factory in Cookstown before her break into music.

Philomena Begley regularly toured with Ray Lynam from 1975 and they recorded many duets together, probably their most popular being "My Elusive Dreams", which went on to be mentioned in The Pogues' song, "A Pair of Brown Eyes".

In 1975, Philomena Begley had a hit with her version of Billie Jo Spears' hit song "Blanket on the Ground" which took her to number five in the Irish chart.

Spears released the song in the United Kingdom and in Ireland at the same time, but in Ireland, Philomena Begley's version received the highest sales, as Spears' version only went to number 11.

Philomena Begley occasionally performed with Spears and later recorded a tribute song to her after the American star's death in 2011.

Philomena Begley is married to Tom Quinn and they have three children Mary, Aiden and Carol.

Philomena Begley is a regular contributor to the Belfast Telegraph's Lifestyle section.