Kilberry singer songwriter back to launch new Christmas EP

A FORMER Kilberry jet-setter will enhance the festive atmosphere in the Central in Navan tonight, when she launches her debut 'Christmas Wish' EP.

Fiona Guiheen (right) returns from her new home in Co Clare to perform her self-penned song, which has been two years in the making with acclaimed award-winning producer PJ Curtis.
Although singing from a child, Fiona began her career with nine-piece soul band Mr Big Stuff many years ago in Navan before going to London where she began writing club-style dance hits with DJ Mickey Simms - one of the key pioneers of the UK dance scene and creator of UK garage music.
After singing the pub circuit in Germany and America, Fiona found herself in India where she visited local schools and villages, teaching English songs whilst learning the native music.
She obtained a teaching diploma in Human Values in Thailand and toured with the school throughout Malaysia, honing her ability to marry their native music influences with the Irish traditional notes.
Fiona even represented Ireland at a World Peace Summit, singing for a global audience.
Over a decade ago, she collaborated with internationally renowned multi-instrumentalist Praveen D Rao on an album combining the music of Ireland and India.
She shelved her music career to be become a mum to two boys, Tadhg and Bodhb and now lives in Clare where she ferries her traditional-music mad sons to various Fleadhs.
However two years ago she met PJ Curtis and her passion for music was again rekindled. They revisited and stripped her Indian recordings to discover her unique sound and a new album is almost complete.
"Music for me is something that comes from deep within. When I close my eyes to sing, I enter another world, it's something that inhabits me completely, takes me over and moves me in the very depths of my soul. I can't explain it. I can only sing it.
"And maybe, that's all I need to do. Just allow it to be free. I'm so excited about coming back to Navan to launch my CD, seeing all my old friends and getting their feedback."
Fiona will also be donating part proceeds from her CD to Jigsaw for youth mental health.
Eleven children from Wilkinstown NS will accompany Fiona in song when the EP is launched by well-known personality Peadar Farrelly and Clare guitarist Stephen Flaherty in the Central at 7.30pm onFriday, December 15.