The Dublin-based, Kilkenny-born indie pop artist has been remembered as “a true original” who “drew huge respect across the music scene”
12:00, 08 Aug 2026Updated 12:45, 08 Aug 2026
Cat Dowling
The Irish music community has been plunged into mourning following the death of Dublin-based, Kilkenny-born indie pop artist Catherine ‘Cat’ Dowling.
Considered one of the most powerful and evocative vocalists in Irish contemporary music, Dowling first rose to prominence as the frontwoman of Dublin band Babelfish.
Dowling formed the band in 2001 with guitarist Gerry Horan, bass guitarist Stevie Kavanagh and drummer Graham Gilligan.
Babelfish later morphed into successful electro/dream-pop outfit Alphastates, with the band releasing their debut album Made from Sand in 2004; with their final album, Human Nature, hitting shelves in 2009.
Dowling released her debut solo album The Believer in 2013, and the title track featured in the second series of Banshee and the Witches of East End TV series.
Her song Somebody Else was also used in the Irish independent film My Name is Emily, while she also lent her vocals on many collaborative projects, including the hit ABC series How To Get Away With Murder, starring Oscar winner Viola Davis.
Cat Dowling performing in Workman’s in Dublin
In 2021, Dowling released the critically acclaimed album Animals, produced by Gerry Horan with Dowling as co-producer, and mixed by Ger McDonnell (The Cure, U2, Van Morrison, Martha Wainwright, Shane McGowan, Sinead O’Connor).
Dowling was the daughter of former Fine Gael politician Richard Dowling, who served as a TD for the Carlow–Kilkenny constituency from 1982 to 1987. He also served as a Senator for the Labour Panel from May to November 1982.
Dowling, a mum-of-three, was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2017 and the singer had spoken openly about living with the illness.
The Kilkenny native’s death was confirmed by Hot Press, with the long-running music magazine’s editor Niall Stokes leading the tributes to the influential singer.
“She was a lovely person, and a hugely original musician. She will be greatly missed,” he said.
Legendary Galway rock band The Stunning were among those to pay tribute to Cat, with the band describing her passing as “another huge loss to Irish music” following the tragic death of singer Glen Hansard last week.
Tributes have poured in for the popular singer
“We are so saddened to hear of the death of Catherine ‘Cat’ Dowling. She was a true original,” they said. “Deepest sympathies to her family and friends. She is another huge loss to Irish music.
“If you don’t know her music check it out on all the streaming platforms. She opened for us in Kilkenny a few years back. her last album ‘Animals’ is superb. Rest in peace Catherine, you can play some tunes with Glen.”
Senator Malcolm Noonan, who previously served as TD for Carlow-Kilkenny, also paid tribute to Cat having worked alongside her father on the Kilkenny County Council.
“It’s been a tough few weeks for the music community in Ireland and this morning I am saddened to wake to the news of the passing of Cat Dowling,” he said.
“Catherine was a unique talent, a real innovator, creating a sound all of her own and drew huge respect across the music scene.
“She was also a proud Kilkenny native and I was fortunate to have served briefly on Kilkenny County Council with her dad, Dick Dowling (RIP).
“Cat was always brimful of ideas about her songs and live shows and I enjoyed our conversations about music.
“My condolences to all of Cat’s family and many friends in music and the arts. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilís.”
Cat’s former Alphastates bandmate Karl Odlum hailed the Kilkenny-born indie pop artist as “a true one of a kind”. “RIP to my old friend and Babelfish/Alphastates band mate, the wonderful Catherine (Cat) Dowling,” he said.
“A true one of a kind. An indomitable spirit, off the charts craic levels and ridiculously talented.
“My sympathies to her family and all her friends. Rest easy, Catherine.”
In a moving tribute, music video director Marc Corrigan said “Cat was one of my most favourite people in the world because she was one of the best people in the world.”
He continued: “I first met her when she was looking for someone to make a video for The Well Runs Dry, and we collaborated again and again over the years.
“I loved working with her. I loved her music. She would send me demos. We’d chat about them over coffee. I always had the best time with her.
“She sang at my wedding. She was inspiring. She was so positive and optimistic. My sympathies are with her wonderful children. I feel very sad that I won’t see her again.”
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.