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Deirdre Shannon Gilsenan, who goes by the stage name Deirdre Shannon, was born into the Gilsenan family of County Meath, Ireland. Deirdre was the middle child of five siblings. She and her four siblings grew up on a mixed farm, where their days included assisting their parents with the day to day chores of a working farm.

Deirdre's exposure to music came very early on from her parents and older siblings. Her parents were known to go about their daily work while humming or singing a favorite melody or song. Her formal introduction came at the age of nine when her parents enrolled her to take piano lessons. She and her siblings also received encouragement from their parents to participate in the church choir and in local events, such as weddings, funerals, competitions, local concerts when ever possible.

In 1992, Deirdre entered Dublin's College of Music and studied under the guidance of vocal trainer Mary Brennan. She participated in a plethora of musical activities, including traveling with the Dublin Institute of Technology Choir.

Deirdre began her professional career in 1996 when she was selected as a member of the exclusive Irish choir Anuna, where she ascended to becoming a lead soloist, traveling throughout Europe.

In 1997, Deirdre was selected by Michael Flatley to join his world wide tour with the show Lord of the Dance. She was cast into the role of Erin the Goddess and performed in over 800 shows over a four-year period covering most of North and South America.

Since her professional debut, Deirde has performed with the likes of Eily O'Grady, Dionne Warwick, The Celtic Tenors, Air Supply, Celtic Woman. Deirdre's accomplishments have also included participating in the sound track of RTE's historical documentary television series called The Island. She has also made appearances on CBS Morning News, Fox Morning TV, and The Late Late Show.

On 1 October 2006 Deirdre released her solo album, simply entitled Deirdre Shannon.

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