Where It All Started

I grew up in the Liberties, one of Dublin’s oldest and realest neighbourhoods. No silver spoons, no trust funds — just good people, strong tea, and music coming out of every window. My nan, Saoirse, raised me. She was the one who put a melody in my mouth before I could even talk — sean-nós, the old-style Irish singing, right there in her kitchen with the radio on and the kettle boiling.

She’d sing these ancient songs, and I’d sit on the counter kicking my legs, trying to copy every note. I didn’t know it then, but she was giving me everything I’d ever need.

Finding My Sound

Then, aged 14, I heard Mary J. Blige for the first time. “Real Love” came on the radio and I swear the whole kitchen stopped. That voice — raw, soulful, unapologetic. I thought: that’s what I want to sound like. But Irish. From Dublin. With a bit of sean-nós woven through.

I fell down the rabbit hole after that — Aretha, Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu. I’d sing R&B in my bedroom and Irish trad in my nan’s kitchen and somehow, they started to merge. That’s how Celtic Soul was born — my sound, my thing, the thing nobody else was doing.

The stage name? Yeah, I know. Mary J. O’Blige. I get slagged for it constantly. But my hero is Mary J. Blige and I oblige people for a living — it was right there. I’m wearing it with pride, thanks very much.

The Obliger

Here’s the thing about growing up in the Liberties — everyone knows everyone, and everyone needs something. A poem for a wedding. Song lyrics for a funeral. A pep talk before a job interview. A recipe when the in-laws are coming. I was always the one people came to. “Mary, would you ever…” became the soundtrack of my life.

So I leaned into it. I became the Obliger — the one who says yes. You need it? I’ll sort it. A poem? Done. Advice on your love life? Grand. A joke to cheer you up on a Monday? No bother. As long as it’s legal, I’m your woman.

Musical Influences

Quick Facts

• From The Liberties, Dublin
• Genre Celtic Soul / Irish R&B
• Tea Barry’s. Don’t even suggest Lyons.
• Dog Bono — a rescue greyhound. Yes, that name. Don’t start.
• Guilty Pleasure Father Ted reruns. Every. Single. Night.
• Irish Enthusiastic. My nan taught me. Sister Concepta would not approve.
• Motto Géillim duit, a stór — I oblige you, my dear.