Maria Doyle Kennedy

As a young girl, moved with her family from Dublin to County Wexford and later to Bray in County Wicklow, a town to which she still claims a close connection. Did not consider a professional career as a singer until after graduation. Released her first album When Justice Came in 1989 as part of the Black Velvet Band. Did not consider becoming an actress until she had established herself as a singer. Made her film debut in The Commitments (1991), playing a backup singer. Appeared in The Blue Macushla at the Druid Theatre in Galway in 1996. Founded the music label Mermaid Records in 2001 and released her debut solo album, Charm. Teamed with her husband, singer Kieran Kennedy, on the 2011 album The Storms Are On The Ocean. Has admitted she still suffers from nerves before performing but uses breathing techniques to control them. Considers herself first and foremost a singer; has said she could live without acting but not without singing.