Irish singer-songwriter Cat Dowling dies aged 54

Irish singer-songwriter Cat Dowling, known for fronting Dublin band Alphastates and her subsequent solo career, has passed away at the age of 54. Born in Kilkenny and based in Dublin, Dowling's music career spanned over two decades. She initially led Babelfish, which later transformed into Alphastates, releasing their self-titled debut album in 2004.

Following the band's disbandment, Dowling embarked on a solo journey, releasing her debut album, The Believer, in 2013. Her music has garnered international recognition, with songs from The Believer featured in television series Banshee and Witches of East End, as well as the Irish film My Name Is Emily. Dowling's second solo album, Animals, was released in 2021.

In March 2025, she released a cover of The Pogues' A Rainy Night in Soho, chosen to soundtrack a Department of Foreign Affairs' St Patrick’s Day campaign. Fellow musicians including Paddy Casey, Jerry Fish, and The Stunning have paid tribute to Dowling, describing her as a warrior for love, a gentle soul, a punk heart, and a rasping angel of a voice.