Kathleen Gilhooly

Kathleen Gilhooly was born in Dublin, Ireland, of Westmeath parents. Her father Pat (Smyth) hails from Slanemore, Mullingar. Her late mother Maureen was a native of Castletown-Geoghegan. The family emigrated to America in 1959 where the young Kathleen, following in the family tradition, persued a career in singing, music and Irish dancing.

To date, Kathleen has recorded three albums, Serene Moments, Aires of Erin and Mystic Land - Irish Dreams. All three albums were recorded in Ireland; the first two albums feature some of the best known Irish songs, and her latest, Mystic Land - Irish Dreams reflects emotions - powerful songs created deep within the heart, arranged with and sung from the heart!

Today, Kathleen performs all over the United States as well as several venues in Ireland and England.

Mystic Land • Irish Dreams

a collection of original songs by Irish Composers... evocative of every facet of life experience - whether looking for love Down the Highway, daydreaming about what America is really like California, or remembering a childhood nursery rhyme and thinking "what if" One for the Master ... ... emigration - leaving home in search of a better way Hope and Glory Land - and what of the love left behind Carolina?

This album reflects emotions - powerful songs created deep within the heart, arranged with and sung from the heart! Poignantly spun threads woven into song: like Daydreamer, feeling love but too shy to speak of it; the heart-rending dilemma of a teenager pregnant and contemplating suicide Tears on my Window; the first assertions of independence Too Old for Lullabies or the fear of being alone, unwanted or replaced Mad Queen.

We are also introduced to several new full-blown romantic love songs - I Don't Want a Leader, Lovers' Island, Sunshine and Roses, Part of It All and the assurance of all-enduring love Old World..

Mystic Land of Ireland, the track from whence the title, speaks eloquently of the haunting realities of Ireland and all she has been through, all she has seen, all she has suffered - her indomitable spirit and her irrepressible dream for peace. When you listen to this album, whether you're Irish or not, youÕll recall childhood memories of that Mystic Land and embark upon your own Irish reveries.

Serene Moments

Songs from my Father's time.

Inspired by and dedicated to my family.

Includes: Farewell to Dublin, Bonny Kellswater, Come to the Hills, My Singing Bird, Fields of Athenry, G. P. O., Danny Boy, Isle of Innisfree, The Dear Little Shamrock, Down by the Glenside, The Wind that Shakes the Corn (Barley) and Wind in the Willows.

Aires of Erin

Featuring: Cockles and Mussels (Molly Malone), Valley of Knockanure, Red is the Rose, Banks of my own Lovely Lee, Only Our Rivers, Connemara Cradle Song, Rose of Tralee, Biddy Mullighan, Boolavogue (Dedicated to my father Patrick Smythe), Star of County Down, Cliffs of Dooneen, Galway Bay, Meeting of the Waters (Vale of Avoca), Stone Outside Dan Murphy's Door and Heaven Around Galway Bay

What they're saying about Kathleen Gilhooly

". . . a note of thanks to tell you how much we enjoyed having you as a part of our special Irish edition of Bears Sunday Live". . .we hope you had as much fun as we did."
--- Bob Vorward - Executive Sports Producer, WFLD-TV, Chicago

"Your performance at the United Center for the thousands of fans during the Chicago Bulls pre-game festivities was well received . . .we look forward to working with you again.". --- Barbara Lee Cohen - President, Productions USA, Inc.

"A very special thanks for the wonderful program you presented our community . . . your music and humor brought much joy to our residents." --- Charlotte Clarke - Activity Coordinator, Peace Memorial Village

"Ever since I received the CD Serene Moments, I felt her lovely voice fills a place that has been left by the likes of Dana and Bridie Gallagher. I recommend you have a listen." --- Big Ed - Presenter on Midland's Radio 3

"Your albums have always been very popular with our customers in the stores and we look forward to your new CD, both to stock in our stores and to play on the radio show." --- Shay Clarke - Proprietor of Blarney, Everything Irish and co-host of Blarney on the Air

"Kathleen hits every note with a light and gentle voice - like a soft breeze off Bantry Bay." --- The Irish American News

"You must have been reading my mind . . . I still get requests for Bonnie Kellswater, My Singing Bird, and Wind that Shakes the Corn . . . another great CD." --- Jim Larkin - Host of Sounds of the Emerald Isle WBET Radio, Brockton, Massachusets

Previous Noteworthy Engagements

• Irish Fest
Gaelic Park
Oak Forest, IL

• NFL Pregame Show
for Chicago Bears
          Fox 32 TV
Dublin, Ireland

• NBA Pregame Show
United Center
          (Chicago Bulls)
Chicago, IL

• Daley Civic Center Chicago, IL

• Pontin's Irish Fest
Southport, England

• Irish-American
          Heritage Center
Chicago, IL